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ABOUT THE BOOK
NO SPOILERSTen-year-old William is heartbroken when Mrs. Phillips, the housekeeper who has lived with his family since he was born, announces she is moving back to England. Before she leaves, she gives William a magnificent model castle that has been in her family for generations, along with a small box she says he should open on his own. When William finally opens it late one night in the attic, he discovers a tiny silver knight inside, and to his amazement, the knight is alive. Sir Simon has been trapped in lead by an evil wizard named Alastor and is eager to reclaim his kingdom, and somehow William is the one who broke the spell. But as Mrs. Phillips's departure draws closer and William grows more desperate to keep her from leaving, he hatches a plan involving the knight's magical token that will pull him far deeper into the world of the castle than he ever imagined.
Free Battle of the Books questions for The Castle in the Attic
SPOILERSEvery one of these has the same answer, and that is the point. In a real battle the question is read aloud with a dozen other books in play, and students have a few seconds to place it. Here is what a battle might ask about The Castle in the Attic. Use them as a quiz, a trivia round, or BOTB practice.
Where in the book they come from
- Early in the book
In what book does a tiny man pull a knife and ask, "Are you friend or foe?"
✓ Answer
The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop
The Silver Knight, still seated and unable to stand, draws his pin-sized dagger at William and challenges him. William has to keep from laughing at the ridiculous picture, but he treats the small warrior with respect.
- First half
In what book does a boy bring two sow bugs upstairs in a cardboard box to test magic?
✓ Answer
The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop
While helping a housekeeper turn over a flower bed, William finds two sow bugs and stores them in a cardboard box with dirt and leaves. He brings them to the attic so the small knight can test the shrinking medal on living things.
- First half
In what book does a boy snatch a tiny woman away from a neighbor's gray cat?
✓ Answer
The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop
After Mrs. Phillips is shrunk on the flagstone walk, the gray cat from next door comes prowling. William scoops her up just in time and tucks her safely into the belt pack with the small knight.
- Second half
In what book does a wrinkled old man transform into a tall young father after biting an apple?
✓ Answer
The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop
The bite frees the cursed Dick from the wizard's spell, restoring him to his true young form. He then gives William a picnic of bread, cheese, and dark cider.
- Second half
In what book does a green dragon chase its own tail with bursts of flame near a wooden gate?
✓ Answer
The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop
William watches through binoculars as the brownish-green guardian paces in endless circles. A bird flies too close and is shot down by a tongue of flame, raising the stakes for William's approach.
- Near the end
In what book does a hero tell a wizard his name is "Muggins" to disguise his real identity?
✓ Answer
The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop
It is the first word that pops into William's head, the name of a clown he once saw at the circus. He uses the disguise to apply for the position of court fool inside the enemy stronghold.
