Bridge to Terabithia (A Puffin Book) - Softcover

Paterson, Katherine

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0141359781 ISBN 13: 9780141359786

Publisher: Puffin, 2015

Bridge to Terabithia is an unforgettable story of friendship and loss by award-winning author Katherine Paterson.
Jess Aarons wants to be the fastest boy in the class, but when a girl named Leslie Burke moves into the neighbouring farm his life changes forever. Even though she runs faster than him, Jess begins to think Leslie might be okay - she's clever and funny and not a bit soppy. And it is Leslie who invents Terabithia, the secret country on an island across the creek where he can escape his troublesome family.The only way to reach Terabithia is by rope-swing where Jess and Leslie become King and Queen, defeating giants, sharing stories and dreams, and plotting against their enemies. They are invincible - until tragedy strikes. It is more dreadful than anything Jess had ever dreamed of, but as he struggles to cope with his grief and anger, he finds that his family value him more than he'd thought and that, still King, he could even save Terabithia for the future.
Reissued in 'A Pufifn Book' series of Puffin modern classics, Bridge to Terabithia is a Newbery Medal winner.

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

• Publisher: Puffin
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0141359781
• ISBN 13: 9780141359786
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208