Bridge to Terabithia

Paterson, Katherine

ISBN 10: 0690046359 ISBN 13: 9780690046359

Publisher: HarperCollins, 1987

Synopsis

This beloved Newbery Medal-winning novel by bestselling author Katherine Paterson is a modern classic of friendship and loss.

Jess Aarons has been practicing all summer so he can be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. And he almost is, until the new girl in school, Leslie Burke, outpaces him. The two become fast friends and spend most days in the woods behind Leslie's house, where they invent an enchanted land called Terabithia. One morning, Leslie goes to Terabithia without Jess and a tragedy occurs. It will take the love of his family and the strength that Leslie has given him for Jess to be able to deal with his grief.

Bridge to Terabithia was also named an ALA Notable Children’s Book and has become a touchstone of children’s literature, as have many of Katherine Paterson’s other novels, including The Great Gilly Hopkins and Jacob Have I Loved.

About this title

Review:

The story starts out simply enough: Jess Aarons wants to be the fastest boy in the fifth grade--he wants it so bad he can taste it. He's been practising all summer, running in the fields around his farmhouse until he collapses in a sweat. Then a tomboy named Leslie Burke moves into the farmhouse next door and changes his life forever. Not only does Leslie not look or act like any girls Jess knows, but she also turns out to be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. After getting over the shock and humiliation of being beaten by a girl, Jess begins to think Leslie might be alright.

Despite their superficial differences, it's clear that Jess and Leslie are soul mates. The two create a secret kingdom in the woods named Terabithia, where the only way to get into the castle is by swinging out over a gully on an enchanted rope. Here they reign as king and queen, fighting off imaginary giants and the walking dead, sharing stories and dreams, and plotting against the schoolmates who tease them. Jess and Leslie find solace in the sanctuary of Terabithia until a tragedy strikes and the two are separated forever. In a style that is both plain and powerful, Katherine Paterson's characters will stir your heart and put a lump in your throat.

Review:

"Eloquent and assured."-- "The Kirkus Reviews."

Set in contemporary rural America, the story is one of remarkable richness and depth, beautifully written. --The Horn Book"

Eloquent and assured. --Kirkus Reviews"

15 Banned Books Every Tween and Teen Should Read--Brightly.com

"Set in contemporary rural America, the story is one of remarkable richness and depth, beautifully written."--The Horn Book

"Eloquent and assured."--Kirkus Reviews

-Set in contemporary rural America, the story is one of remarkable richness and depth, beautifully written.---The Horn Book

-Eloquent and assured.---Kirkus Reviews

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0690046359
• ISBN 13: 9780690046359
• Binding: Library Binding
• Illustrator: Diamond Donna