When the Circus Came to Town by Laurence Yep

Chapters 1 - 2

What is life like for Ursula?  What activities do her and her friends engage in?  Estimate the time when this story takes place.

Vocabulary:

stride (1)

carousel (3)

convict (3)

notion (6)

provisions (8)

plunder (10)

Chapters 3 - 4

Why does Ursula decide to stay inside?  How does Ah Sam help her to open up?

Vocabulary:

reckon (13)

marionette (14)

bellow (18)

suffocate (20)

coiled (27)

solemn (30)

Chapters 5 - 6

Who are the donkey people that Ursula is so afraid of?  How do they bring Ah Sam and Ursula closer?

Vocabulary:

instinctive (36)

coax (37)

promote (38)

scold (39)

contradict (39)

pester (42)

Chapters 7 - 8

How has Ah Sam brought the circus to Ursula?  Why won't she go to it?

Vocabulary:

squeal (54)

corrall (56)

partidge (59)

retort (63)

kin (67)

timid (67)

Chapters 9 - 10

Ursula is trying to create a Chinese New Year, what are some of the traditions described by Ah Sam?

Vocabulary:

nimble (77)

clatter (78)

hoist (81)

Chapters 11 - 13

What do you think the author was trying to teach through this book?  Explain.

Vocabulary:

pungent (99)

virtue (101)

unanimous (102)

envious (107)