What are the big issues of this book that are true in real life?

The underlying message, what the big story tries to teach you, is that you should be kind to people for who they are and not judge them right away. Just be yourself. Another message is boys and girls can be friends. They don't have to keep in separate groups, and they don't have to be boyfriend and girlfriend. It's just about kindness and your imagination, and having fun and still being able to be a child.

What are the advantages of boy/girl friendships?

They're fun! You might have more in common with a boy than you do with a girlfriend. Friends are just people. They can make great playmates, or they can be really fun to hang out with.

Did you become friends with your co-star, Josh Hutcherson, in real life?

We became very good friends. He's very funny and outgoing, and we always hung out with each other. He was just fun to talk to. We played on the beach together a lot, hung out and watched movies together. I hung out with his little brother too. His whole family is really nice, and his tutor taught me how to throw a football. On our lunch breaks we'd play whiffle ball, sometimes football. It was just a really great experience.

In real life who are your best friends?

I have a lot of older friends. My cousins are all girls on my dad's side. I'm right in the middle, and they are all my best friends. I have three other best friends. One is Julia Winter who played Veruca Salt in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I do have guy friends. I have one really good friend named Tyler. He's my parents' best friends' son. He's 18, and I feel like he's my older brother. It's really just great to be able to have such wonderful friends.

What is the message about bullying in Bridge to Terabithia?

Bullying mostly comes from insecurities about your own self. You have to be comfortable with yourself. It's alright not to be in the in-crowd. You're just who you are and your family and friends love you. You never know truly what someone is feeling inside.

Do you think boys and girls often feel competitive with each other?

Definitely! When I was little I definitely remember having competition with boys. In 3rd or 2nd grade I was in gymnastics. I was quite strong and quick. I beat all the boys in the physical fitness test in school. I thought it was the greatest thing in the whole world. I beat them all in a race and push ups and pull ups. They weren't too happy about that!

Your character, Leslie, can run faster than all the boys at school, including Jess. How is Leslie competitive in a positive way?

She's just a very open person and wants to learn about the world, and that's how I am. She just likes to have fun. She's not running or racing to win. She's doing it because it's what she likes to do. She believes boys and girls shouldn't be separated because that's not completely fair. She's challenging herself basically, and she's just learning to have fun.

What does Leslie teach Jess about healthy competition?

He begins to realize she's not doing it just to show off like he is. I think he learns it's not always about winning. It's about doing your best and having fun with it.

Had you read the book before you started filming?

I had heard a lot about the book. I read the script and as soon as I finished the script, I read the book. What the movie definitely brings out that the book doesn't is, books let you imagine your own kingdom. Movies tend to bring the book to life. The movie shows you Terabithia instead of you imagining it.

How true is the movie to the book?

I think it matches it really, really closely. It's such a great story. It's not cheesy, it's real, and powerful. It shows you that you really have to love what you have and pay attention while the people you love are still alive because they can teach you a lot of things.

The book was banned in some areas when it came out. What do you think of that?

I'm shocked, actually. I think books make kids deeper people. They can teach you the world.

How is fantasy dealt with in the movie?

It was a really wonderful experience. All the stunts were so much fun to do. Josh was definitely into the stunts! Once we had to pretend the sticks were swords. We did a lot of our own stunts. I liked climbing the tree, just jumping from limb to limb, jumping really high. I knew if I fell or flipped I'd be caught by the wires.

How does this compare with previous acting?

We did a good amount of work in a studio as well as outside ... I love being on location. It was great being able to fantasize and have equal amounts of stunts and acting. It was just a great experience all around, and being in New Zealand made the experience more incredible.

This is the fourth movie you've made that was adapted from a novel. Does your acting really have to be true to the book? How much wiggle room do you have?

Usually, what I do--I read the script or the book beforehand. It's also just a choice I make to read the script and see how close it is to the book. I took Leslie's energy portrayed in the book and combined it with my own and just tried to become Leslie.

What kinds of books do you like to read?

I love to read fantasy fiction. I’m opening up to other books too, like biographies.