Have you ever asked your kiddos, “So… what was your book about?” Was that question followed by blank stares? Maybe a polite, “It was good.” And then… silence.

I’ve been there. A lot.

When I started teaching, it didn’t take me long to figure out that if I wanted my students to really open up about their reading, I had to ask better questions—ones that gave them something to chew on, rather than questions that could be answered in three words or less.

Over time, I started keeping a running list of my favorite book discussion questions. These weren’t “quiz” questions. They were conversation starters. They worked whether we were talking about a novel, a short story, or even a picture book.

I grew to LOVE this list and to use it in so many ways. I thought you might like it too. So today, I’m sharing my 50 go-to questions to ask kids about any fiction book—and you can grab the free printable version at the end of this post.

Why These Questions Work

These questions work so well because, when the kids respond to them, they’re not just proving they read the pages. They’re:

• Making personal connections
• Thinking critically about characters and events
• Learning to share opinions (and back them up!)
• Hearing perspectives they hadn’t considered

Something as simple as the right question can turn a reluctant “meh” reader into someone who can’t wait to talk about a book or write a book review to tell you why they would totally rewrite the ending of the story or why the sidekick was actually the hero.

A Few of My Favorites

Here are just a few of the questions on the full list—along with how I’ve used them in my own classroom.

1. Which character would you want to be friends with—and why? I use this in partner discussions all the time. Students love justifying their choice, and it always sparks side conversations about what makes someone a good friend.

2. What surprised you most about this story? Perfect for literature circles. Even students who struggle to recall details usually have something that caught them off guard.

3. If you could change one event in the story, what would it be? This one is gold for writing tie-ins. I’ve had students write alternate chapters based on their “what if” changes.

4. Would you recommend this book to a classmate? Why or why not? I love this question for quick exit tickets. It helps me gauge who’s connecting with their book and who might need help finding a better fit.

Some Ways I Like to Use the List

Over the years I have used these questions in so many different ways. Here are just a few ways these questions have made their way into my lessons:

• Read-Aloud Pauses – I’ll stop mid-chapter and toss out a question to keep engagement high.
• Independent Reading Conferences – I pull out my printable and choose a question on the spot to guide our chat.
• Literature Circles – I LOVE to assign each student a different question so everyone has something unique to bring to the table.
• Morning Meeting Shares – Students answer one fun, low-pressure question about what they’re reading.

It is unbelievably amazing how much richer the conversations with my kids become when I give them the right springboard.

Grab the FREE Printable List

I’ve bundled all 50 questions into a ready-to-print list you can keep at your reading table, tuck into your lesson plan binder, or post on the wall for easy access. I hope you love it and it is a helpful tool for you! Enjoy!

Questions to Ask About ANY Fiction Book Printable List

Share This List With Your Teacher Friends

If you have found these ideas and this freebie helpful, please share this post to your favorite Pinterest board for teachers so that other teachers like you can find it easily! Thank you so much! Wishing you a wonderful year in the classroom.