Bridge to Terabithia

In Bridge to Terabithia, several characters do not fit their community’s stereotypes of gender. Pick two characters and explain how they are different from their community’s ideas of how a boy or girl should look or act.

While the book is written in third person, the narration is limited to Jess’s perspective and often includes his thoughts. How does this impact the reading experience?

Bridge to Terabithia is set in a small, rural county. How does the setting of Lark Creek County impact the story? How might the story differ if it took place elsewhere?

Bridge to Terabithia is a coming-of-age novel. Which characters grow up? How does their development differ from one another?

In her Newbery Medal acceptance speech, Katherine Paterson says that Bridge to Terabithia is “the book that will take children from where they are to where they might be” (172). What does she mean by that? What experience does the author want children to have while reading this book?

While children are the primary characters, several adults impact Jess’s life. Pick two or three adults and explain their role in Jess’s development.

Bridge to Terabithia is famous for capturing the magic and creativity of childhood. How does the author’s language give the book a sense of magic? Provide three examples from the book.

Leslie’s death comes as a sudden shock. What does Jess’s mourning process say about grief? How might reading Bridge to Terabithia help children process their own sorrow?