Bridge to Terabithia: Summary

Bridge to Terabithia is a novel by Katherine Paterson about two children, Jess and Leslie, who create an imaginary kingdom in the woods called Terabithia. The story focuses on themes of friendship, courage, creativity, loss, and acceptance. It deals with the emotions of grief, fear, and joy as Jess and Leslie explore their newly discovered kingdom. The book also explores how children can use their imaginations to cope with difficult situations like death, change, and bullying. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of having a support system of friends and family when facing life’s challenges.

1. How did Jess feel about Leslie when they first met?
2. What do you think motivated Jess to befriend Leslie?
3. What did the two of them learn from each other?
4. Do you think Leslie was a dreamer, or a realist?
5. Why did Jess feel guilty after Leslie's death?
6. What did Jess learn about friendship and loss by the end of the book?
7. How does the story depict the power of imagination and creativity?
8. In what ways does nature play an important role in the story?
9. What do you think is the purpose of Terabithia?
10. How does this story help us understand childhood experiences with grief and loss?

• Bridge to Terabithia is a heart-warming story of friendship that highlights the power of imagination and resilience.
• The characters in Bridge to Terabithia are incredibly real and relatable, making it easy to connect with their story.
• I love how Bridge to Terabithia emphasizes the importance of family, both biological and chosen.
• The world that Katherine Paterson created in Bridge to Terabithia is so vivid and imaginative; it feels as if you’re right there alongside Jesse and Leslie.
• The themes of courage, resilience, and acceptance explored in Bridge to Terabithia make it a timeless story for all ages.
• I appreciate how Bridge to Terabithia realistically portrays the complexities of childhood, from the joys of discovery to the struggles of growing up in an imperfect world.
• One of the things I love most about Bridge to Terabithia is its focus on how individuals can make a difference in the lives of their loved ones, even when they're far away.
• Through Bridge to Terabithia, Katherine Paterson paints a beautiful picture of childhood friendships, exploring what it means to be loyal and supportive during difficult times.
• I think one thing that makes Bridge to Terabithia so special is its ability to show readers that hope can be found even in the darkest of moments.
• Overall, Bridge to Terabithia is a timeless classic that expertly captures the joys and struggles of growing up while emphasizing the power of friendship and imagination.

1. "Sometimes you have to care about someone more than they care about themselves."
2. "Life is good, but it's not always easy."
3. "Real courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what."
4. "You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes."
5. "We'll be like kings and queens of our own kingdom and rule it together!"

The novel has been adapted for the screen several times. The first adaptation was a 1985 television film starring Annette O'Toole and Robert Sean Leonard. This version was released to positive reviews. In 2007, an adaptation of the novel was released as a feature-length movie starring Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb. This version was also well-received by audiences and critics alike. In 2008, Bridge to Terabithia was adapted for the radio as part of BBC Radio 4's Classic Serial series. In 2014, a stage adaptation of the novel opened at London's Southwark Playhouse. Directed by Christopher Haydon, this production was praised by critics and awarded a nomination for Best Entertainment and Family Show at the 2015 Olivier Awards. In 2018, a podcast adaptation of the novel was released entitled Bridge to Terabithia: A Podcast Musical. Written by Adam Szymkowicz and directed by Becca Wolff, this musical podcast starred Erich Bergen, Alex Wyse and Alexandra Socha.

• Jacob Have I Loved
• The Great Gilly Hopkins
• Come Sing, Jimmy Jo
• Lyddie
• The Master Puppeteer
• The Day of the Pelican
• Jeremy: The Tale of an Honest Bunny
• A Time of Angels
• The Flint Heart
• The Same Stuff as Stars
• Rabble Starkey
• Gotsun and the Ghostly Crew