Bridge to Terabithia

Friendship & Connection: Jess and Leslie come from very different backgrounds and personalities, yet they form a close bond. What qualities do you think make their friendship so strong? Have you ever found yourself in an unexpected friendship with someone who is quite different from you?

Imagination & Escape: Terabithia is a magical kingdom that Jess and Leslie create together. Why do you think they feel the need for this imaginary world? What does it offer them that reality cannot?

Grief & Loss: After Leslie's death, Jess experiences various stages of grief — denial, anger, guilt, and ultimately acceptance. How does the author depict the grieving process in a realistic way? Why do you think Jess initially feels a sense of relief before guilt sets in?

Courage & Fear: Jess grapples with fear throughout the novel — fear of the creek, fear of Miss Edmunds's class, fear of not measuring up. How does Leslie support him in confronting his fears? In what ways does Jess demonstrate courage by the story's conclusion?

Empathy & Perspective: Leslie encourages Jess (and the reader) to view the world from a different perspective — including feeling compassion for their bully, Janice Avery. How does the novel suggest that empathy can be a source of strength? Can you recall a moment when understanding someone's background changed your feelings about them?

Legacy & Memory: At the end of the novel, Jess constructs a bridge to Terabithia and crowns his younger sister May Belle as the new queen. What does this gesture represent? How do we honor the memory of those we've lost?

Friendship & Connection: Jess and Leslie come from distinct backgrounds and have contrasting personalities, yet they form a strong bond. What brings them together, and what does their friendship reveal about the true connections between people?

Imagination & Escape: Terabithia acts as a magical kingdom that Jess and Leslie invent together. Why do you think they feel the need for this imaginary world? What does it offer them that the real world lacks?

Grief & Loss: Following Leslie's death, Jess goes through a wide array of emotions — including guilt, anger, and denial. How does the novel depict the grieving process? Do you think Jess's reactions feel authentic? Why or why not?

Courage & Fear: Both Jess and Leslie show courage in various ways throughout the story. How would you define courage after reading this novel? Is courage simply the absence of fear, or is it something more?

The Role of Art: Jess is passionate about drawing, despite his family not supporting this interest. How does his artistic talent influence his identity and his relationship with Leslie? What message does the novel convey about the importance of fostering creativity?

Legacy & Memory: At the story's conclusion, Jess constructs a bridge to Terabithia for his younger sister Maybelle. What does this action symbolize? How do we keep the legacies of those we've lost alive?

Outsiders & Belonging: Both Jess and Leslie feel like outsiders at school, albeit in different ways. How does the theme of not fitting in propel the story forward? Can you relate to either character's feelings of being an outsider?