Stone Fox

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

Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. What is the name of Little Willy’s dog?

2. Who does Little Willy hitch to the wagon?

3. How old is Little Willy?

4. What does Little Willy say Grandfather has been worried about this season?

5. Who tries to convince Little Willy to live with her while his grandfather is ill?

6. What does Little Willy realize they are too poor to rent?

7. Who helps Little Willy plow the potato field?

Short Answer

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

1. How does Doc Smith initially describe Grandfather’s condition to Little Willy? What does she mean by this based on Grandfather’s behaviors and symptoms and her explanation of them? 

2. What systems does Little Willy develop to communicate with Grandfather?

3. In what ways does Little Willy display maturity beyond his years?

Paired Resource

The 19th Century Doctor

• This 4-minute video explains the tools and methodology of 19th-century doctors.
• Shared themes include Sacrifice as Declarations of Devotion.
• How is care from a doctor in the 19th century different from care that might be given today? What kinds of tools did doctors use to diagnose problems? Though the book’s time frame is not mentioned, what are the similarities between 19th-century doctors and Doc Smith in the novel?

Chapters 4-6

Reading Check

1. Who is Clifford Snyder?

2. Who is Clifford Snyder afraid of?

3. How much money does Grandfather owe the government for the farm?

4. Who does Doc Smith believe should be caring for Grandfather?

5. Who suggests to Willy that he should sell the farm?

6. What does Little Willy see a poster for after speaking to the bank president?

7. How long is the race?

8. Who will participate in the race and has a reputation for never losing?

9. What is the entrance fee for the race?

Short Answer

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

1. What will the government do if Grandfather is unable to pay his taxes?

2. Why is Little Willy confused about the government’s role?

3. What hasn’t anyone in town heard Stone Fox speak about?

4. Why does Stone Fox enter the race, and what motivates him to win?

Paired Resources

The Shoshone

• This article describes the Shoshone people, their culture, and the impact of settlers on the tribe.
• Shared themes include Society’s Failure to Care for People in Need.
• Where did the Shoshone primarily live before colonial settlement? What are the Northwestern Shoshone known for?

“Why Native Americans Are Buying Back Land That Was Stolen From Them”

• This 8-minute video describes Indigenous people’s efforts to purchase land taken from them.
• Shared themes include Society’s Failure to Care for People in Need and Perseverance and Kindness as Vital Tenants of Success.
• Why are some Indigenous people striving to reclaim some of the land taken from them? What is the impact of settlers on Indigenous people? What is the name of the movement to return land to Indigenous people?

Chapters 7-10

Reading Check

1. What does Doc Smith think Willy is foolish for using to enter the race?

2. What does Doc Smith give Little Willy before he leaves her house?

3. Where must Little Willy go to get his grandfather’s medicine?

4. What does Stone Fox do to Willy when he attempts to pet Stone Fox’s dog?

5. What is wrong with Little Willy’s eye on the day of the race?

6. What does Willy love, making it impossible for him to be a hunter?

7. What permission is given to Little Willy regarding the lake?

8. What does Little Willy see when he passes the farm that makes him tear up?

Short Answer

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

1. What does Willy tell Stone Fox about the race?

2. What makes Little Willy confident he will win the race?

3. What is Stone Fox’s role in helping Little Willy win the race, and what does it reveal about Stone Fox’s character?

Paired Resources

“Dog Sled Racing: What It Takes to Compete”

• This 5-minute video describes the mechanics of modern dog sled racing and some of the precautions taken to protect dogs.
• Shared themes include Sacrifice as Declarations of Devotion and Perseverance and Kindness as Vital Tenants of Success.
• What types of strategies are used by mushers in dog sled racing? What care is provided for the dogs while racing? What is the role of training in dog sled racing? In what ways is Willy’s sledding experience different from modern dog sledding?

The Dangers of Dog Sled Racing

• This article describes some of the challenges of dog sled racing and why it can be dangerous for dogs and humans.
• Shared themes include Sacrifice as Declarations of Devotion.
• What scenarios make dog sled racing a dangerous sport? Why is taking a dog sled team on a frozen lake dangerous? How does the information here connect to Willy’s risk-taking in the story?

Recommended Next Reads

Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

• This novel is about a boy who encounters a mistreated dog and develops a plan to rescue the dog from his abusive owner.
• Shared themes include Sacrifice as Declarations of Devotion, Society’s Failure to Care for People in Need, and Perseverance and Kindness as Vital Tenants of Success.
• Shared topics include dogs as companions, poverty, and working toward a noble goal.
• Shiloh on SuperSummary

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

• This novel is about a 13-year-old girl who lives in Oklahoma in the 1930s and wrestles with loss and financial hardship during the economic and agricultural upheaval in the United States.
• Shared themes include Society’s Failure to Care for People in Need and Perseverance and Kindness as Vital Tenants of Success.
• Shared topics include financial hardship, isolation, and perseverance.
• Out of the Dust on SuperSummary