83 pages 2 hours read

Gary Paulsen

The Transall Saga

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1998

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.

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

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

Part 1, Chapters 1-10

Reading Check

1. What causes Mark to fall into the tube of blue light?

2. What is the name of Mark’s monkey-bear friend?

Short Answer

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

1. How does Mark demonstrate his survival skills when he first arrives on Transall?

2. How do the monkey-bears help Mark survive?

Paired Resource

Monomyth: The Hero’s Journey

  • This Berkely ORIAS article lists and defines common story beats in a classic hero’s journey, which often apply to a variety of literary traditions.
  • How is Mark characterized as a heroic character?

Practice the 4 Survival Priorities of Shelter, Water, Fire, and Food

  • This Outdoor Life article briefly discusses four survival priorities one must consider in the wild.
  • How does Mark’s survival knowledge assist him?

Part 1, Chapters 11-20

Reading Check

1. What does Mark kill to save Leeta?

2. Which group attacks the arrow people village and enslaves Mark and Leeta?

Short Answer

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

1. What do the arrow people do that prompts Mark to reconsider his plan to stay with them?

2.