67 pages 2 hours read

Rodman Philbrick

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2009

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

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

CHAPTERS 1-5

Reading Check

1. What is Homer’s uncle named?

2. How much is Homer’s uncle paid by the man who wants someone to enlist in the army in his son’s place?

3. What is the name of the horse that Homer escapes with?

Short Answer

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

1. What incident causes Homer’s uncle to become so angry that he gathers a group of men to kill Homer and Harold?

2. What happens to Harold after the magistrate arrives at the farm?

3. How is Homer nearly caught by Corny when he is escaping from the root cellar?

Paired Resource

Civil War and the Draft

  • This 2-minute NBC News Learn video explains how many wealthy and privileged people got out of serving in the Civil War, even when drafted.
  • This resource relates to the themes of Purpose and Duty and The Search for Safety and Freedom.
  • What did some people see as unequal and unfair about the rules for being drafted into the Union Army? If there is a draft, do you think that all citizens have an equal duty to serve in the military? Does having a draft go against the idea that people have a right to be safe and free in their own country? Does Homer think that his brother has a duty to serve, or does he feel that something unfair has happened to Harold? What do you think?