Title: Bridge to Terabithia
By: Katherine Paterson
Copyright: 1977
Genre: Contemporary Realistic
Appropriate for age: 9-12 years old
Theme: Friendship
Summary:
Jess Aarons is an eleven year old boy who loves to run so much, that he is the fastest kid in eight grade. His other hobbies include painting and drawing, which causes his friends to refer to him as "sissy." He spends most of his time trying to win his father's attention. Jess comes from a rural home and is less fortunate than others. He is having to pick up slack in the home and take care of his younger sister, so he has no time to explore the outdoors or himself. Leslie Burke is the new girl in town and Jess's new neighbor. They become inseparable after she beats all the eight grade boys in a running competition. Leslie helps Jess find himself, by creating a fantasy land in their backyards. Here, they are able to let their imaginations run wild. One day, Jess's music teacher asks if he wants to go visit the art gallery. He felt bad for leaving Leslie alone, since they visited the magical land of Terabithia everyday after school. While on his trip, he hears heartbreaking news. Leslie had fallen off the rope that swings over the creek. The news is not good. Jess blames himself for not meeting Leslie that day. He shuts Terabithia out because it reminds him of his best friend. Later, he realizes that Leslie would want him to keep Terabithia alive. He replaces the rope with a bridge, that way no one will ever get hurt. Bridge to Terabithia is a place to celebrate life, love, and to let your imagination take over.
Quote from the book:
"Just close your eyes and keep your mind wide open."
-Lessie Burke
Illustration:
There are no illustrations in this story; however, Paterson goes into great detail while describing the land of Terabithia, making it feel like you are there.
My Thoughts:
Bridge to Terabithia is absolutely amazing. In this book, you walk along the side of Jess Adams, and he tells you about the troubles he is facing. It makes you sad, mad, and happy. In some parts, I wanted to reach into the book and help him because I knew he was being mistreated. But, after he meets Leslie, his world turns around. Tears filled my eyes after I read about Leslie's death. Jess had lost his best friend and the best thing in his life. I was so happy that he decided to go back to Terabithia. This reminds me of real life. Even though a special person in your life may be gone, you can still remember them by keeping their memory alive, and that is exactly what Jess did.
Awards:
John Newbery Medal
Links:
Class Activity
Author's Website
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