Tuck Everlasting Natalie Babbitt

Tuck Everlasting: Introduction

Winnie Foster is a girl in search of adventure.

Living in a fenced-in cottage with her parents and grandmother, she feels bored . . . restricted.

Tuck Everlasting: Introduction

On a hot August afternoon, Winnie makes an announcement to a toad.

She tells the toad that she is going to run away the next day.

Tuck Everlasting: Introduction

That evening, a mysterious stranger arrives at the Fosters’ cottage.

He’s asking a lot of questions.

But he won’t say why he’s there.

Tuck Everlasting: Introduction

The next morning Winnie Foster sets out on her own into the woods.

Tuck Everlasting: Introduction

Winnie has imagined all kinds of possible adventures that might await her.

Tuck Everlasting: Introduction

or the Tucks, a strange and wonderful—and immortal—family.

But Winnie never could have dreamed up the magic spring that she finds in the woods

Tuck Everlasting: Introduction

The Tucks take Winnie to their house.

What would immortality be like?

What do you think immortal people would be like?

Should Winnie choose to become immortal herself?

Tuck Everlasting: Background

For hundreds of years, people all over the world have passed down stories about springs, fountains, and rivers that bring everlasting life.

Tuck Everlasting: Background

Ancient Hindu writings tell of a fountain of youth.

Tuck Everlasting: Background

The spirit world of Greek and Roman mythology included a spring of immortality.

Tuck Everlasting: Background

One legend says that in the 1500s, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León searched for a spring in Florida that could restore youth and cure sickness.

Tuck Everlasting: Background

Of course, the Fountain of Youth is only a legend.

But the idea of waters that grant immortality has fascinated humans for many centuries.

Tuck Everlasting: Discussion Starters

Discuss (1)At the beginning of the novel, Winnie is feeling restricted at home. She longs for freedom and excitement, but she is also scared.

• When you are feeling bored and restless, what do you usually do to relieve those feelings?

• Do you think it’s normal for a ten-year-old girl to be afraid of the outside world? Explain.

Tuck Everlasting: Discussion Starters

Discuss (2) Imagine that like Winnie, you have discovered a way to live forever.

• Would you choose to become immortal or to stay as you are? Why?

• If you were going to become immortal, what age would you like to be for all eternity? What makes you choose that age?