It was a crisp October night, and the full moon cast an eerie glow over the small town of Oakwood. Twelve-year-old Emma and her best friend, Max, were excited for the annual Halloween party at the community center. But as they approached the building, they noticed something strange - the doors were ajar, and there were no decorations or signs of life.

"That's weird," said Max, peering inside. "The party is supposed to start in an hour. Where is everyone?"

Emma and Max cautiously entered the community center, their footsteps echoing in the dimly lit hallway. As they reached the main hall, they gasped in shock - everything was in complete disarray. Streamers and balloons lay scattered on the floor, and the refreshment table was overturned.

"What happened here?" Emma whispered, her heart racing. "Do you think something terrible has happened?"

Max shook his head, his brow furrowed in concern. "I don't know, but we have to find out. Let's split up and look for clues."

Free Response Questions:

1. What do you think might have happened at the community center?
2. Why do you think the doors were left ajar?
3. What kind of clues do you think Emma and Max might find?
4. Do you believe they will be able to solve the mystery?
5. How would you feel if you were in Emma and Max's situation?
6. What could have caused the refreshment table to be overturned?
7. Do you think there are any other people still in the community center?
8. What is the significance of the full moon in the story?
9. How would you describe the atmosphere or mood of the story so far?
10. What do you think might happen next in the story?

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What time of year does the story take place?
   Spring Summer Fall Winter
2. How old are the main characters, Emma and Max?
   10 years old 12 years old 14 years old 16 years old
3. What is the setting of the story?
   A school A park A community center A house
4. What is the genre of the story?
   Romance Fantasy Mystery Adventure
5. What is the first thing Emma and Max notice when they approach the community center?
   The doors are locked The lights are off The doors are ajar There are no decorations
6. What is the first thing Emma and Max see when they enter the main hall?
   Streamers and balloons on the floor The refreshment table is overturned No one is there All of the above
7. What do Emma and Max decide to do when they see the disarray in the main hall?
   Leave the community center Call the police Split up and look for clues Wait for someone to arrive
8. What is the significance of the full moon in the story?
   It provides light for the characters It sets the spooky atmosphere It is a Halloween tradition All of the above
9. What is the mood or atmosphere of the story so far?
   Cheerful and festive Suspenseful and mysterious Sad and gloomy Peaceful and calm
10. What do you think might happen next in the story?
    Emma and Max find the missing partygoers They discover a clue that leads them to the culprit They decide to call the police and leave the community center They get scared and run out of the building