BookBright
ABOUT THE BOOK
NO SPOILERSJess Aarons spends the summer before fifth grade training to become the fastest runner in his grade at Lark Creek Elementary, a goal that feels like one of the few things he can be proud of in a crowded, cash-strapped family where his love of drawing goes unappreciated. When a girl named Leslie Burke moves into the run-down farmhouse next door, she beats every boy in the school race on the first day and shakes up his plans entirely. Instead of a rival, she becomes his closest friend, and together they claim a stretch of forest across a creek as their own secret kingdom, Terabithia, a place where they rule as king and queen and where Jess begins to discover what he might be capable of beyond the cow field.
Free Battle of the Books questions for Bridge to Terabithia
SPOILERSEvery one of these has the same answer, and that is the point. In a real battle the question is read aloud with a dozen other books in play, and students have a few seconds to place it. Here is what a battle might ask about Bridge to Terabithia. Use them as a quiz, a trivia round, or BOTB practice.
Where in the book they come from
- Early in the book
In what book does a new girl admit in class that her family does not own a television set?
✓ Answer
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
When Mrs. Myers assigns a TV documentary as homework, Leslie asks what to do if you don't have a television. The class erupts in hissing disbelief, and Leslie is mocked by the other girls at recess.
- First half
In what book do two friends invent a secret kingdom in the woods that only they can enter?
✓ Answer
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Leslie suggests that she and Jess become rulers of a secret magic country in the woods. Their hidden land becomes a refuge from the cruelties of school and home life.
- First half
In what book does a boy give a brown-and-black puppy as a Christmas Eve present?
✓ Answer
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Jess spots a free puppies sign from the school bus and brings home a little brown-and-black puppy as Leslie's Christmas gift. He ties a stolen ribbon around the wriggling, peeing puppy's neck.
- Second half
In what book does a boy squirt warm milk from a cow straight into his friend's mouth?
✓ Answer
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
In the shed Jess sends a stream of milk from Miss Bessie's udder right into Leslie's mouth, and they collapse into giggles. The scene shows their easygoing friendship right before Jess's father walks in.
- Second half
In what book does a girl insist she does not have to believe a story to find it beautiful?
✓ Answer
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Leslie says of the Easter story, 'You have to believe it, but you hate it. I don't have to believe it, and I think it's beautiful.' Her view shocks Jess, who has always taken the Bible literally, and rattles May Belle.
- Near the end
In what book is a boy 'drunk with color and form' as he tours a marble museum with his teacher?
✓ Answer
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
In the National Gallery, Jess is 'drunk with color and form and hugeness' and feels he is in a sacred place. Miss Edmunds's perfume and voice make the visit feel almost worshipful, his perfect day.
