Bridge to Terabithia Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal

Bridge to Terabithia questions by chapter

We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. One question per chapter, across all 13 chapters, and every one is editable before you print. The example answers under 3 of the chapters are the ones printed at the front of the booklet.

1. Chapter 1

   In Chapter 1, what do you learn about Jess's goals and home life? How do these details help you understand him?

2. Chapter 2

   In Chapter 2, Jess likes to draw but does not feel comfortable telling everyone about it. What does this show about his character?

3. Chapter 3

   In Chapter 3, how does Leslie change what happens at the races? What does her running show about her personality?

4. Chapter 4

   In Chapter 4, why is Terabithia important to Jess and Leslie? What does this imaginary place let them do or feel?

   Example answer: I think Terabithia is important because it gives Jess and Leslie a place where they can be brave and creative. In real life, Jess often feels worried or left out, but in Terabithia he can be a king. Leslie also gets to use her imagination and share it with Jess. Their secret kingdom helps their friendship grow stronger.

5. Chapter 5

   In Chapter 5, Janice Avery seems like a giant to May Belle. What does the word giant mean in this situation, and how do Jess and Leslie handle the problem?

6. Chapter 6

   In Chapter 6, what do the Christmas gifts Jess and Leslie choose reveal about their friendship?

7. Chapter 7

   In Chapter 7, how does Leslie's conversation with Janice change the way Jess sees Janice? What does this chapter suggest about kindness?

8. Chapter 8

   In Chapter 8, Leslie goes to church with Jess's family. How do Leslie, Jess, and May Belle react differently to what they hear?

   Example answer: Leslie seems interested in the church story because it is new to her, and she thinks about it in her own way. May Belle feels scared because she worries about what could happen to people who do not believe. Jess is caught in the middle because he knows the church lessons but also cares about Leslie. Their different reactions show that friends can think differently and still care about each other.

9. Chapter 9

   In Chapter 9, the rain and the rising creek make Terabithia feel different. How does the weather create a worried mood, and what might you predict could happen next?

10. Chapter 10

    In Chapter 10, why does Jess's day with Miss Edmunds feel so special to him? How does the ending of the chapter change the way you feel about that day?

11. Chapter 11

    In Chapter 11, how does Jess react when he learns what happened to Leslie? What do his actions and thoughts show about grief?

12. Chapter 12

    In Chapter 12, Jess feels many strong emotions after Leslie's death. How does his father help him, and what does Jess begin to understand?

13. Chapter 13

    In Chapter 13, why does Jess build the bridge to Terabithia? How does inviting May Belle show that Jess has changed?

    Example answer: I think Jess builds the bridge because he wants Terabithia to be safer and because he wants to honor Leslie. The bridge shows that he is trying to move forward instead of only feeling sad. When he invites May Belle, he shares something that used to belong just to him and Leslie. This shows he has become kinder, braver, and ready to help someone else use their imagination.