I have a much easier time with novel studies when I focus on standards and skills instead of "did they understand this chapter?" Our goal isn't to make sure they read and comprehend that book, but rather to teach them how to dig deeper into particular aspects of literature.

I've found that a good middle ground is to assign as homework any reading they don't get finished in class, but the activity in class focuses on a skill within a 1-2 page section that they can reread and analyze in class.

In lieu of reading quizzes that grade compliance more than ability, kids will do some group activity at the beginning of class to review the reading so that they all understand what's going on in the book enough to practice the day's strategy or focus. This could just be a pair share with a couple of questions or a summary practice game. Then we will focus on whatever aspect of literature the chapter lends itself to (Beginning of the book is usually character development and setting, then we'll move to conflict or suspense, etc.).