Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-4

Reading Check

What does Minli buy that makes her mother angry?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. In the story Minli’s father tells her about the Jade Dragon, what does she learn must happen in order for the mountain to become fruitful again?

2. In the story Minli’s father tells her about the Old Man of the Moon, why does Magistrate Tiger want to kill the grocer and his family?

Chapters 5-9

Reading Check

1. How many times does Minli rub the needle with the rock?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How do Ma and Ba react when they discover that Minli is gone?

2. When Minli runs out of water and drinks from the stream, what does she discover?

Paired Resource

“Why the Dragon Is Central to Chinese Culture”

• This 10-minute video from PBS’s Storied project explains the historical and cultural significance of dragons in China.
• This resource relates to the themes of The Value of Gratitude and The Virtue of Sacrifice.