Fifth Grade Dreams and Family Dynamics

Questions and Answers

Why is Jess wearing neither shirt nor shoes?

He knows the weather will warm up, so he just goes running in his overalls. His feet are roughed up from running barefoot all summer, so he doesn't need shoes.

Why has he gotten up early every morning in the summer?

Jesse wants to be the fastest runner in the 5th grade, so he got up early to practice running.

Why does Jess like May Belle?

She worships him, unlike his other sisters.

Who is Miss Bessie?

She is the family's cow that Jesse milks every day. Signup and view all the answers

Why would Jess prefer that May Belle tell their father about how well he runs?

May Belle is favored by their father and will react better if she says it. Signup and view all the answers

What news does May Belle share with Jess in the bean patch?

A family is moving in at the Old Perkins farm. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jess keep under the mattress?

He keeps a sketchpad and pencils for drawing. Signup and view all the answers

How do we know Jess loves to draw?

He does it every day. Signup and view all the answers

How did Jess's father react when his son told him that he wanted to be an artist?

He questioned what kind of stuff he is learning in school. He scoffed at him and made him feel inferior. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why Jess felt lonely in the house.

He is the only boy in the family, and his father doesn't spend much time with him. Signup and view all the answers

What was Jess's first reaction when he met Leslie Burke?

He was disappointed she was a girl, so he made an excuse to leave. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Mr. Turner?

He is the principal at Lark Creek Elementary. Signup and view all the answers

How is Leslie different from the other students?

Leslie dressed differently on the first day of school. She doesn't seem embarrassed that she is a little different. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Mrs. Myers unhappy with her new class?

She already has 30 students, while the other teachers had 29. Leslie was added to her class, so she had to squeeze another desk in the small classroom. Signup and view all the answers

What did the boys organize outside once they had been dismissed after eating their lunch?

They organized the heats (races). Signup and view all the answers

Why were the boys stunned at the results of Jess's heat?

Leslie won! Signup and view all the answers

Why is Gary Fulcher reluctant to let Leslie race in the finals?

He is worried she might beat him. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jess sit beside May Belle on the bus?

He doesn't want to leave space for Leslie to sit with him. Signup and view all the answers

Why wasn't running fun anymore?

Leslie always won the heats. Signup and view all the answers

Find proof in Chapter 4 that Miss Edmunds really cares about Jesse.

She asks him how his summer was and if she could see his drawings. Signup and view all the answers

What did Leslie mean by the statement, 'Money is not the problem'?

Leslie's family had money, but they still had problems. They were reassessing their priorities in life. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Leslie unable to do the project on Jacques Cousteau?

Her family did not have a television. Signup and view all the answers

According to Leslie, what was the only way that someone would be able to get to their magic country?

One had to swing on an enchanted rope. Signup and view all the answers

What did Leslie name their new secret land?

Terabithia. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Leslie and Jess avoid one another during school hours?

They didn't want people to think they were dating, and they also didn't want anyone to know about Terabithia. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Jess's Background and Interests

Jess runs in overalls, forgoing a shirt and shoes due to the warm weather and the condition of his feet.
He rises early to train in hopes of being the fastest runner in the 5th grade.
Jess has a close bond with May Belle, who idolizes him, unlike his other sisters.

Family Dynamics

Miss Bessie is the family's cow that Jess milks daily.
Jess wishes May Belle would tell their father about his running accomplishments, expecting a more favorable reaction from him.

New Developments and Personal Aspirations

May Belle informs Jess about new neighbors moving into the Old Perkins farm.
Jess keeps drawing materials under his mattress and draws daily, highlighting his passion for art.
His father's disapproval is apparent when he dismisses Jess's desire to be an artist, causing Jess to feel inadequate.

Jess feels isolated at home, being the only boy and lacking attention from his father.
Upon meeting Leslie Burke, Jess is initially disappointed to find she is a girl, leading him to excuse himself.
Mr. Turner is the principal at Lark Creek Elementary, and Mrs. Myers expresses frustration with the size of her class after Leslie joins.

School Dynamics and Competitions

The boys organize races outside after lunch, where Jess impresses by winning his heat.
Leslie surprises everyone by winning the final race, stunning the boys, including Gary Fulcher, who fears being defeated by her.

Friendship Development

Jess sits next to May Belle on the bus to prevent Leslie from sitting with him.
As Leslie continues to win races, Jess no longer finds running enjoyable.

Support and Understanding

Miss Edmunds shows care for Jess by inquiring about his summer and expressing interest in his drawings.
Leslie acknowledges that despite having money, her family still faces personal challenges, emphasizing that money is not the solution to all problems.

Fantasy and Secret Worlds

Leslie's family does not own a television, restricting her ability to do a school project on Jacques Cousteau.
Leslie describes the exclusive way to access their imaginary land, stating it requires swinging on an enchanted rope.
They name their secret land Terabithia, marking the beginning of their imaginative adventures.

Secrecy in Friendship

Jess and Leslie maintain distance during school hours to avoid gossip about their relationship and to keep Terabithia a secret from classmates.

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Description

Explore Jess's aspirations of becoming the fastest runner in the fifth grade while navigating complex family relationships. Learn about his bond with May Belle, his passion for art, and the impact of his father's disapproval on his self-worth. This quiz delves into Jess's character and the dynamics of his home life.