book review of bridge to terabithia

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Bridge to terabithia, common sense media reviewers.

Honest, moving story of friendship and loss.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Includes many lessons for tweens on dealing with b

Jesse, though often annoyed by his sisters, tries

A main character dies. The death isn't describ

"Bitch," "damn," and "hel

Parents need to know that Bridge to Terabithia , by Katherine Paterson, won the 1978 Newbery Medal. It focuses on the sweet friendship of a tween boy and girl who share imaginative play, creating a world of their own just a rope swing away, far from the school bullies they face. It also features a child's…

Positive Messages

Includes many lessons for tweens on dealing with bullies, walking in someone else's shoes, and the value of imagination and friendship.

Positive Role Models

Jesse, though often annoyed by his sisters, tries to be kind, and sympathizes with his overworked mother. Leslie, the only child of wealthy, intellectual parents who sometimes forgets she's a child, knows what it's like to be an outsider.

Violence & Scariness

A main character dies. The death isn't described in detail. Cremation is mentioned.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

"Bitch," "damn," and "hell," "Lord." A child says, "God'll d--n you all to hell."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Bridge to Terabithia , by Katherine Paterson , won the 1978 Newbery Medal. It focuses on the sweet friendship of a tween boy and girl who share imaginative play, creating a world of their own just a rope swing away, far from the school bullies they face. It also features a child's death and grief in the aftermath of the tragedy, and may provoke tears. There's mention of cremation, which may be upsetting to some kids. Some strong language, including "bitch," "damn," and "hell."

Where to Read

Community reviews.

• Parents say (13)
• Kids say (75)

Based on 13 parent reviews

Excellent writing but not for little ones

What's the story.

In BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA, two tween outsiders -- quiet, artistic Jesse and free-spirited Leslie -- become friends and escape from overbearing parents and bullies at school in their own private kingdom of Terabithia. Their idyllic world is shattered by a tragic accident.

Is It Any Good?

Among countless books about friendship and loss, this one stands out. It's notable for the tender care the author lavishes on her main characters, and for the honest portrayal of a child's grief and a child's capacity for creating beauty from tragedy. Jesse's life can be a struggle -- especially with four sisters and a need to hide his passion for drawing. But author Katherine Paterson gives voice to his fears and hopes without imposing judgment or commentary.

Readers will find much common ground with the protagonists. Jesse, though often annoyed by his sisters, tries to be kind, and sympathizes with his overworked mother. Leslie, the only child of wealthy, intellectual parents who sometimes forgets she's a child, knows what it's like to be an outsider. Though the last part of the book deals with death and its aftermath, this is ultimately a richly uplifting story of a boy and a girl who become friends despite their differences.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about so much in this book, from friendship to imagination to loss.

How does Terabithia strengthen Jesse and Leslie's friendship?

In what ways is their fantasy world similar to their everyday world?

Have you ever constructed a fantasy world?

Book Details

• Author : Katherine Paterson
• Illustrator : Donna Diamond
• Genre : Friendship
• Book type : Fiction
• Publisher : HarperTrophy
• Publication date : January 1, 1977
• Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
• Number of pages : 176
• Award : Newbery Medal and Honors
• Last updated : July 12, 2017

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BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA

by Katherine Paterson illustrated by Donna Diamond ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 14, 1977

Paterson, who has already earned regard with her historical fiction set in Japan, proves to be just as eloquent and assured when dealing with contemporary American children—and Americans of very different backgrounds at that. Jess, from an uneducated family in rural Virginia, has been practicing all summer to become the fastest runner at school—a reputation more desirable than his present image as "that crazy little kid who draws all the time." But Jess is beaten in the first race of the fifth-grade year by a newcomer—who is also the first girl ever to invade the boys' part of the playground. Soon Jess and Leslie, whose parents have moved from the suburbs because they're "reassessing their value structure," become close friends. On her lead they create Terabithia, a secret magic kingdom in the woods, and there in the castle stronghold she tells him wonderful stories. . . about a gloomy prince of Denmark, or a crazy sea captain bent on killing a whale. She lends him her Narnia books and lectures him on endangered predators. . . but he teaches her compassion for a mean older girl at school. Indeed Leslie has brought enchantment into his life. Then one morning, with the creek they must swing over to reach Terabithia dangerously swollen by rain, and Jess torn between his fear of the maneuver and his reluctance to admit it, he is saved by an invitation to visit the National Gallery with his lovely music teacher. The day is perfect—but while he is gone Leslie is killed, swinging into Terabithla on their old frayed rope. Jess' feelings range from numb denial to rage to guilt to desolation (at one point the thought occurs that "I am now the fastest runner in the fifth grade")—typical grief reactions, but newly wrenching as Jess is no representative bibliotherapeutic model. By the end, he is ready to think about giving back to the world something of what he had received from Leslie. You'll remember her too.

Pub Date: Sept. 14, 1977

ISBN: 0061227285

Page Count: 180

Publisher: T.Y. Crowell

Review Posted Online: Oct. 26, 2011

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1977

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

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More by Donna Diamond

BOOK REVIEW

by Donna Diamond & illustrated by Donna Diamond

by Barbara Wersba & illustrated by Donna Diamond

by Jane Breskin Zalben & illustrated by Donna Diamond

More About This Book

SEEN & HEARD

FAMILIES BELONG

by Dan Saks ; illustrated by Brooke Smart ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2020

A joyful celebration.

Families in a variety of configurations play, dance, and celebrate together.

The rhymed verse, based on a song from the Noodle Loaf children’s podcast, declares that “Families belong / Together like a puzzle / Different-sized people / One big snuggle.” The accompanying image shows an interracial couple of caregivers (one with brown skin and one pale) cuddling with a pajama-clad toddler with light brown skin and surrounded by two cats and a dog. Subsequent pages show a wide array of families with members of many different racial presentations engaging in bike and bus rides, indoor dance parties, and more. In some, readers see only one caregiver: a father or a grandparent, perhaps. One same-sex couple with two children in tow are expecting another child. Smart’s illustrations are playful and expressive, curating the most joyful moments of family life. The verse, punctuated by the word together , frequently set in oversized font, is gently inclusive at its best but may trip up readers with its irregular rhythms. The song that inspired the book can be found on the Noodle Loaf website.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2020

ISBN: 978-0-593-22276-8

Page Count: 24

Publisher: Rise x Penguin Workshop

Review Posted Online: Nov. 26, 2020

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2020

CHILDREN'S FAMILY | CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

More by Dan Saks

by Dan Saks ; illustrated by Brooke Smart

CARPENTER'S HELPER

by Sybil Rosen ; illustrated by Camille Garoche ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 16, 2021

Renata’s wren encounter proves magical, one most children could only wish to experience outside of this lovely story.

A home-renovation project is interrupted by a family of wrens, allowing a young girl an up-close glimpse of nature.

Renata and her father enjoy working on upgrading their bathroom, installing a clawfoot bathtub, and cutting a space for a new window. One warm night, after Papi leaves the window space open, two wrens begin making a nest in the bathroom. Rather than seeing it as an unfortunate delay of their project, Renata and Papi decide to let the avian carpenters continue their work. Renata witnesses the birth of four chicks as their rosy eggs split open “like coats that are suddenly too small.” Renata finds at a crucial moment that she can help the chicks learn to fly, even with the bittersweet knowledge that it will only hasten their exits from her life. Rosen uses lively language and well-chosen details to move the story of the baby birds forward. The text suggests the strong bond built by this Afro-Latinx father and daughter with their ongoing project without needing to point it out explicitly, a light touch in a picture book full of delicate, well-drawn moments and precise wording. Garoche’s drawings are impressively detailed, from the nest’s many small bits to the developing first feathers on the chicks and the wall smudges and exposed wiring of the renovation. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-20-inch double-page spreads viewed at actual size.)

Pub Date: March 16, 2021

ISBN: 978-0-593-12320-1

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade/Random

Review Posted Online: Jan. 12, 2021

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2021

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S FAMILY

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Bridge to Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson | Book Review

Book Review of  Bridge to Terabithia The Children’s Book Review

Bridge to Terabithia

Written by Katherine Paterson

Ages 9+ | 320 Pages

Publisher: HarperCollins | ISBN-13: 9780690013597

What to Expect: Friends, Adventure, Grief and Loss, and Fantasy

Bridge to Terabithia won the Newbery Medal in 1978 and other significant awards. It has also been made into two different movies, one was a feature film, and one was a TV movie. This book was inspired by a real tragedy that happened in 1976. When Katherine Paterson’s son David was eight years old, his friend Lisa Hill was struck by lightning and died. Bridge to Terabithia is a poignant story about a new friendship between Leslie Burke, the new girl at school, and Jess Aarons, who wants to be the fastest runner in fifth grade. 

Jess has been practicing all summer long by running through the fields surrounding his family’s farmhouse, and he would have been the fastest if, on the first day of school, Leslie hadn’t shown up and outrun everyone, even the boys. While you would imagine the two would not get along, they end up being the best of friends after a slightly uncertain start.

The pair play together in the woods behind Leslie’s house, which happens to be next door to Jess’s, and they use their imaginations and create a magical kingdom where they are the king and queen. They call their secret kingdom Terabithia. The only way to enter the castle in Terabithia is by an enchanted rope that swings over a creek. When they are not fighting off giants and the walking dead, they talk deeply about the kids at school that tease them. Everything is great until Leslie decides to go to Terabithia alone.

You might need a box of tissues at this point in the story because something terrible, real, significant, and immensely sad happens. The writing is beautiful, and readers will willingly soldier on to discover how Jess deals with the most profound sorrow he has ever experienced. While Bridge to Terabithia has great sadness, you will smile, and the entire story is A-plus-mazing!

Buy the Book

About the author.

Katherine Paterson is one of the world’s most celebrated and beloved authors. Among her many awards are two Newberys and two National Book Awards, and she was recently named a “Living Legend” by the Library of Congress. She has been published in more than 22 languages in various formats, from picture books to historical novels.

What to Read Next If You Love Bridge to Terabithia

• The Great Gilly Hopkins , by Katherine Paterson
• Jacob Have I Loved , by Katherine Paterson
• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe , by C. S. Lewis

Bianca Schulze reviewed  Bridge to Terabithia . Discover more books like Bridge to Terabithia  by reading our reviews and articles tagged with Friends , Adventure , and Fantasy .

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Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review. She is a reader, reviewer, mother and children’s book lover. She also has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

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Book Review

Bridge to terabithia.

• Katherine Paterson
• Coming-of-Age

Readability Age Range

• HarperCollins
• Newbery Medal, 1978

Year Published

This review was created by the editorial staff at Thriving Family magazine

This coming-of-age story by Katherine Paterson is published by HarperCollins. It’s written for ages 10 and up. The age range reflects readability and not necessarily content appropriateness.

Plot Summary

Jess Aarons trains to be the quickest runner in fifth grade. During the summer, he wakes up early to train. At Jess’ school, Lark Creek Elementary, being a good runner is the best way for a fifth-grade boy to distinguish himself. Jess is an artist and has previously spent most of his free time drawing, but now he wants to be an athlete.

Jess notices a family moving into a house nearby, and the daughter of the new family stops by for a visit. Leslie Burke is Jess’ age, and she tries to befriend him, but Jess resents Leslie when she beats him in a race at school. His dreams of being the best runner in his grade are dashed when he learns that no amount of practice will make him as fast as Leslie. Jess decides to make friends with Leslie anyway, and he learns that she is a thoughtful and interesting person.

Leslie decides that she and Jess need to invent their own secret country where the two of them can escape from the pressures of their difficult lives. They pick a place in the woods behind Leslie’s farmhouse and dub their new kingdom “Terabithia.” Jess and Leslie visit their land together daily. Jess provides Leslie with support and companionship, and Leslie improves Jess’ world by teaching him new words and telling stories.

Jess and Leslie decide to take revenge on an older girl, Janice, who is unkind to them and who steals things from weaker children. Jess and Leslie fool Janice into thinking she has received a love note from the boy she likes. When Janice tells her friends about the love note, they discover that the note is fake, and Janice is humiliated in front of the whole school.

As Christmas nears, Jess worries about what kind of present he will buy for Leslie. Jess gives her a puppy, and Leslie names it “Prince Terrien, guardian of Terabithia.” Leslie gives Jess a watercolor set. By spending part of Christmas vacation with Leslie, Jess feels less worried about the argumentative atmosphere of his own home. Jess gradually grows closer to Leslie’s parents as he helps the Burkes repair and decorate their farmhouse.

At school, Leslie hears Janice crying in the girls’ bathroom. Jess feels sorry for Janice and asks Leslie to see if Janice needs help. After talking to Janice, Leslie discovers that Janice’s father beats her and that the secret has been spread around school. Leslie comforts her, and the two of them become friends.

In the spring, Jess and Leslie continue to play in the forest, but they are surprised by how much the creek has risen from the spring rains. Jess is afraid of crossing it, but he thinks that he will feel braver after he has taken swimming lessons from Leslie, whose favorite hobby is scuba diving.

Jess’ music teacher, Miss Edmunds, asks Jess to go with her for a one-on-one field trip to the Smithsonian museum and the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. When Jess returns from the trip, his family tells him that Leslie has died. After falling and hitting her head, Leslie drowned in the flooded creek behind her house. Jess is overwhelmed by sadness and disbelief. He does not know how to react to Leslie’s mourning family, and he feels angry with Leslie for abandoning him.

Jess goes into the woods to think about the times he spent with Leslie, but his little sister May Belle follows him. May Belle begins to cross the tree bridge over the flooded creek, but she loses her courage halfway across and yells for Jess to help her. Jess brings May Belle to safety on the shore of the creek and discovers that she was trying to join him so that he would not be lonely anymore.

At school, the other students whisper about Jess, but no one speaks to him. A teacher named Mrs. Myers tells Jess that she is sorry for his loss. Mrs. Myers misses Leslie, too, and she says that she and Jess can help each other through the time of loss. Jess understands that Leslie made his life better just by being his friend, and he does not want to forget her. Jess decides to start playing in the land of Terabithia with his sister to show her some of the affection and affirmation that Leslie shared with him.

Christian Beliefs

The principal at Jess’ school insists that the children in music class sing “God Bless America.” Jess imagines himself and Leslie like God in Genesis, looking at their country of Terabithia and proclaiming it good. Jess makes May Belle swear on a Bible that she won’t follow him anymore.

Mrs. Aarons is angry with the local pastor for unknown reasons, so she and her family have not attended church in three years, except for Easter services. Leslie says she is interested in going to church because she has not been before. Leslie goes to the Easter service with the Aarons family. During the sermon, Leslie happily sings the hymns.

Leslie is fascinated by the story of Jesus. She says that Jesus is like Abraham Lincoln, Socrates and Aslan, because he was someone who had done nothing wrong and yet was killed. Jess says that Jesus’ story is not beautiful and that God made Jesus die because human beings are all vile sinners. Leslie thinks it’s strange that Jess feels forced to believe that the stories about Jesus are true, and yet he hates the stories, while she does not have to believe the Bible but still thinks its ideas are beautiful.

May Belle tells Leslie that God will send her to hell if she does not believe in Him. After Leslie’s death, Jess asks his father if he believes that people really go to hell. Mr. Aarons says that God does not send little girls to hell.

After Leslie’s death, Jess goes into the forest and paraphrases Scripture, saying that he commends Leslie’s spirit into God’s hands.

Other Belief Systems

Jess says he thought the forest behind Leslie’s house was haunted. Leslie says the forest is haunted, but with good spirits. During their playtime, Leslie prays to the spirits of the forests, thanking them for their help in defeating the imaginary armies that have invaded Terabithia. Jess notices that Leslie is more comfortable with magic than with religion. Later, Leslie asks the spirits to help her overcome an unknown evil curse that has come to Terabithia. After Leslie’s death, Jess makes a large wreath in the woods and announces that his offering pleases the spirits.

Authority Roles

Mr. Aarons has a long commute to work and rarely has time to spend with his son. Jess has fond memories of a time when his dad was not so tired, and the two of them would have fun and wrestle with each other. Jess longs to hug and kiss his father, as his little sisters do, but he knows that his father would not appreciate such open displays of affection. Mr. Aarons is also concerned about his son making friends with a girl, because it seems unmanly.

Mr. Aarons is not pleased with his son’s artistic abilities. When Jess was in first grade, he told his father that he wanted to be an artist when he grew up, but his father was angry at the announcement. Jess no longer dares to show his drawings to Mr. Aarons, even though he would like to share his work with his father.

When Jess hears about Leslie’s death, he runs away from home, and Mr. Aarons follows him. Mr. Aarons picks up his son like a baby and carries him. Later, Mr. Aarons offers words of comfort to Jess as he grieves.

Mrs. Aarons needs her two teenage daughters to help with household chores, but she allows the girls to go shopping instead. The girls try to make their mother feel guilty for not letting them have more free time and spend more money than they currently do. Mrs. Aarons angrily gives her daughters the money they request for their shopping trip.

Mrs. Aarons screams at Jess when they are canning beans together. When she is too tired to cook dinner, Jess makes peanut butter sandwiches for himself and his two younger sisters. Mrs. Aarons claims, in front of all her children, that Ellie is the only child who cares whether her mother lives or dies.

Jess has a crush on his music teacher, Miss Edmunds, who is the only person to encourage his artistic ability. Leslie calls her parents by their first names, which shocks Jess. Unlike Jess’ parents, Leslie’s parents enjoy her company and like to have her near them while they work on home improvement projects. Jess finds it strange that Mr. Burke wants to be friends with his own daughter.

Profanity & Violence

God’s name is frequently taken in vain. The words h— and d–n are used. Jess’ sister uses “Christmas” as an interjection. H—hole is used to describe Jess’ house in the summer heat. B–ched is used to mean “complained.” Janice’s father beats her, but details are not mentioned. Jess punches his 6-year-old sister in the face when she repeatedly asks him about whether he has seen Leslie’s dead body.

Sexual Content

Jess’ teenage sister Ellie buys a see-through blouse, and her mother is angry over the indecent purchase. As Jess waits outside the girls’ bathroom for Leslie, he is worried that a teacher will think he is a pervert, trying to peek at the girls inside the bathroom. Jess believes that a girlfriend is a girl who chases a boy on the playground and tries to kiss him. Jess is amused by his 6-year-old sister May Belle’s ugly appearance when she first wakes up, but May Belle misinterprets his gaze and threatens to tell their mother that he’s been staring at her while she’s only wearing her underwear.

Discussion Topics

Get free discussion questions for this book and others, at FocusOnTheFamily.com/discuss-books .

Additional Comments

Alcohol: Jess’ extreme love for drawing pictures is compared to an adult with an addiction to whiskey.

Smoking: Janice, the seventh-grade bully, smokes in the bathroom.

Book reviews cover the content, themes and world-views of fiction books, not their literary merit, and equip parents to decide whether a book is appropriate for their children. A book’s inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by Focus on the Family.

You can request a review of a title you can’t find at [email protected] .

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Review: bridge to terabithia.

Themes and Analysis

Bridge to terabithia, by katherine paterson.

Katherine Paterson’s a ‘Bridge to Terabithia’ covers mostly the themes of loneliness, grief, and friendship - all of which come to play in Jesse’s quest to find care and attention.

Article written by Victor Onuorah

Degree in Journalism from University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

‘ Bridge to Terabithia ’ first welcomes readers with the theme of loneliness as young Jesse is seen worried he doesn’t get the much-needed attention and love from his busy parents who are distracted by the responsibility of earning a living for a family of seven. Later in the book, other themes – including friendship and grief are introduced.

Bridge to Terabithia Themes

Leslie and especially Jesse are the two major characters the reader sees grappling with the issue of loneliness and needing attention. From the plot, Jesse is sad and irritable to himself and towards the people around him; his sisters, his parents, and fifth-grade teachers at Lark Creek Elementary school.

He gets this way because he feels left alone with no one caring about what he wants and needs. Helps parents do opt care too much. His father is swept away by work, and his mother, is too busy homemaking, nurturing the girls, and worrying about the pile of bills to be paid. Leslie, in a milder way, feels the same – given that her parents, despite working from home, are focused on work stuff than the needs of their daughter.

This is perhaps the predominant theme of Katherine Paterson’s ‘ Bridge to Terabithia ’. Jesse and Leslie discover friendship and all its benefits in their desire for wanting out of shared loneliness. Discovering friendship for these two wasn’t going to be an easy task – as both get off on a wrong footing before finding that common issue that they have and then agreeing to disagree then settling as friends to build their dreamland Terabithia.

Self-discovery

‘ Bridge to Terabithia ’ is also a story of self-discovery and self-realization. Jesse comes at the center of this as readers see him struggle – at home, in school, among his peers – to be loved, appreciated, and cared for. Jesse is doing something wrong by filling that void with sadness and angst, but after Leslie helps him discover himself, he knows better how to handle people and situations.

Gender Stereotype

Gender roles and expectations are in play in ‘ Bridge to Terabithia ’, and the reader gets to see this in the life of Jesse and Leslie, at least. Jesse is considered too girlish by his father – who wants him to be very masculine, hard, and stoic in all he does. His father even considers his drawing ability as a girl thing and doesn’t like it very much for him. Similarly, Leslie’s parents think the same of her – for she is rather tomboyish in dressing and actions.

Key Moments in Bridge to Terabithia

• The plot sets in a small town in Virginia called Lark Creek – around the 1970s.
• 10-year-old Jesse Aarons is the only son of five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Aarons – one of the many poor families in Lark Creek.
• Jesse is sad and lonely because he doesn’t get the care and attention like his sisters do: His father is a workaholic who is rarely around, and when he finds small time off, he spends them on the girls. Like his father, Jesse’s mother only has to tend to the home, look after the girls, nag at Jesse, and worry about unpaid bills.
• Jesse grows increasingly sad and the only time he finds himself happy is when he draws – but even this talent he hides from his family because they – especially his father – think it’s stupid and feminine of him. However, his music teacher Miss Edmunds likes and appreciates drawing skills.
• Jesse tries to earn his father’s respect by doing something more manly so he picks up running and even wins a few races during school break practices.
• One day, while Jesse is out in the field rehearsing a sprint, Leslie, a next-door neighbor who appears tomboyish, walks up to him wanting to be friends. Jesse is not interested, leaves her, and walks.
• The next day, Jesse discovers that Leslie is her new classmate – and during recess when all the boys are to compete in a sprint, Leslie asks to join in. Unexpectedly, she defeats all the boys – giving them one more reason to dislike her. But Jesse, however, starts to admire her and thinks there’s something special in the way that she runs.
• Jesse hangs out with Leslie. As they explore the neighborhood, they pick up a rope using it to swing over the marsh-prone corners of the area where they find and renovate an old tree. Leslie names this place ‘Terabithia’. Here, they are royalties living their wildest dreams and imaginations and spend a lot of time here together.
• As they spend more time together in Terabithia, their confidence and peace grow – even when they face opposition in the real world, Terabithia brings them tranquility.
• Jesse gives Leslie a puppy as a gift on Christmas; the puppy will then be brought to Terabithia and named prince Terrien and appointed guardian of Terabithia.
• Leslie goes to church with Jesse and May Bell on Easter Sunday and is fascinated by the service. Jesse and May Bell take the liberty to preach Jesus to her as the only way she can avoid going to hell. Leslie is adamant that God can’t allow that to happen to her.
• Its springs and heavy downpours have just started stomping hard on the periphery of Terabithia making them slippery and dangerous. Prince Terrien’s life is apparently at stake and Jesse is worried about that and intends to warn Leslie about the latest developments in Terabithia.
• But just then his music teacher Miss Edmunds asks him to follow her to an art museum in Washington, Jesse is fascinated and accepts. He doesn’t have a chance to contact Leslie but he wants.
• Jesse returns from the trip and is told that Leslie had drowned in Terabithia while trying to cross the harboring creek.
• Jesse is sad and blames himself for Leslie’s death. If he had warned her, he thought.
• Later, Jesse puts the guilt and sadness away and musters enough strength to build a bridge across Terabithia, this way no other person can get hurt or killed. He invites his little sister May Bell – to share in the life-transforming experience he has.

Style and Tone

In terms of the style used in ‘ Bridge to Terabithia ’, Katherine Paterson opts for a monovocal, third-person narrative style – therewith we see the plots unfold through the eyes of 10-year-old Jesse, as he develops both physically -through the ages, and mentally – through the transforming experiences he gains by being friends with Leslie. The tone is simple – although sometimes a bit abrasive, but generally friendly and informal.

Figurative Languages

There are several figurative expressions infused by Katherine Paterson in her book ‘ Bridge to Terabithia ’. To start with, the word ‘Terabithia’ has a metaphorical undertone for freedom, and this is exactly what it brings to Jesse and Leslie; a place they can be free from the troubles of joy fitting into the world. I a place to live one’s dreams. Other expressions readers can expect to find in ‘Bridge to Terabithia’ include; simile, hyperbole, and exaggeration, allusion among others.

Analysis of Symbols in Bridge to Terabithia

The bridge in the book ‘ Bridge to Terabithia ’ symbolizes many things among which include; hope for a better life, and the line between real and unreal. For Jesse, building the bridge and inviting May Bell through it shows how he has matured from being a scared and sad little boy to bring a competent leader who steps up and fixes problems when they arise.

Where is Terabithia in Katherine Paterson’s book ‘ Bridge to Terabithia ’?

Terabithia is a magical country created by Leslie and Jesse out of an abandoned brush about their neighborhood. This place allows them to be king and queen, build castles, create and play games and imagine all they want from life.

How does Leslie die in ‘ Bridge to Terabithia ’?

During the time when Jesse is out to a museum in Washington with his music teacher, Leslie goes alone to Terabithia. While she tries to cross over using a rope for a swing, the rope cuts above her and she falls and hits her head, and drowns in the swamp.

What is the prevalent theme in Katherine Paterson’s ‘ Bridge to Terabithia ’?

Friendship is easily the most pronounced theme in Katherine Paterson’s ‘ Bridge to Terabithia ’. It is through this theme that all the other themes connect.

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Katherine Paterson

Bridge to Terabithia

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1977 ALA Notable Children’s Books 1977 School Library Journal Best Book of the year 1978 Newbery Medal 1978 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award 1981 Janusz Korczak Medal (Poland) 1981 Silver Pencil Award (Netherlands) 1986 Le Grand Prix des Jeunes Lecturs (France) 1986 Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award

Jess Aarons had to be the Fastest runner at Lark Creek Elementary School, the best, but when he was challenged by Leslie Burke, a girl, that was just the beginning of a new season in Jess’s life. Leslie and her parents were new comers to the rural community where Jess Lived, and were thought to be a bit odd, for they didn’t even own a TV, though their house was filled with books. Some-what to Jess’s surprise, he and Leslie became friends, and the worlds of imagination and learning that she opened to him changed him for ever. It was Leslie’s idea to create Terabithia, their secret Kingdom in the woods where they reigned supreme. There is no enemy – not their teacher Monster Mouth Meyers, their schoolmates Gary Fulcher and Janice Avery, Jess’s four sisters, or even Jess’s own fears and Leslie’s imaginary foes – could defeat them. The Legacy that Leslie finally brought to Jess enabled him to cope with the unexpected tragedy that touched them all.

PUBLISHER: HarperCollins ISBN 9780064401845

Adaptations

In 2007, Bridge to Terabithia was adapted into a major motion picture from Walt Disney Pictures. The film was directed by Gábor Csupó, written by David L. Paterson and Jeff Stockwell, and stars Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Robert Patrick, Bailee Madison, and Zooey Deschanel.

Watch it on Amazon and iTunes .

Watch the Trailer:

“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

Free Teaching Guide (PDF)

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Book Reviews

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson: Book Review

Jesse Aarons is the class misfit. Something of a dreamer, and a talented artist, he just doesn’t fit in with his practical, competitive classmates. But Leslie Burke moves next door at the beginning of their fifth-grade year, and the two eventually become best friends. Leslie shows him that a different life is possible.

I’ll just say it–this book irritated me to no end. It was crawling with Southern stereotypes. For a book that’s trying to show that there’s a place for everyone in the world, I just really found that unacceptable. It seemed like most of the characters went by two names: May Belle, Joyce Ann, Wanda Kay. I’m sure there were more. And then there was the fact that everyone, except for Jesse, Leslie, and her family, couldn’t speak without throwing a double negative in there. It happens. It’s not as bad as this book makes it sound. And then there was the way that all the poor kids were stupid, narrow-minded, and ignorant, and their parents beat them when they weren’t in jail. Give me a break.

Had I read this when I was younger, I would probably have overlooked all of that and just focused on the story of the beautiful friendship between Jesse and Leslie and how she showed him that there is a bigger world out there and how we should always show each other kindness. That’s a great message. But I didn’t read it when I was younger and right now I just don’t care.

Reviewed May 25, 2009

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Find author Katerine Paterson on her website .

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Friday Flashback Reviews are a weekly feature here on The Introverted Reader. These are old reviews I wrote on GoodReads . Thanks to Angieville and her Retro Friday Reviews for the inspiration and encouragement!

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I know very little about Southern stereotypes, so this review was an eye opener about a novel I think highly of! I can see why such a book would be really annoying, though. If I ever read it again, I'll have your critique in mind.

Thanks for the review!

I'm sad you didn't like it too. I reread it when I was 22 and I still loved it. I need to reread it again but I am always scared to reread beloved children's books, as I might find what you did… that they don't live up (even though you weren't rereading.)

I'm so sad you didn't like it. This is one of my fave books in the world! Oh, well… 🙂

Love it! I love how blunt and honest you were! I won't be reading this one.

I think it's so interesting how our view of a book depending on when we read it. I think our experiences in life and better understandning of people i and personalities inform our reading. I think that had I read this book when I was a teenager or a little older I would have felt towards it as you think you would have: enjoyed the friendship between the main characters and the message about the world out there ready to be explored. But now we notice some of the more subtle details and don't like the, It's too bad the author felt the need to write such stereotypes into what otherwise sounds like a captivating story.

I read books such as Watership Down and Orwell's 1984 way back when and liked them for what I got out of them then. But I want to read them again to see what the story means to me now.

I spent much of my childhood (the '80s) abroad and missed many of the thing things my wife and our friends love (like The Breakfast Club, etc) so I can appreciate how a beloved book like this doesn't hold up to a read as an adult. I haven't read this myself and won't based on your comments — I think I'd be annoyed by the same things you were!

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Bridge to Terabithia: A Harper Classic Hardcover – Special Edition, October 24, 2017

A new hardcover edition of Katherine Paterson’s Newbery-winning favorite, Bridge to Terabithia . One of the stunning new Harper Classics editions of literary treasures.

This Newbery Medal-winning novel by bestselling author Katherine Paterson has been a modern classic about friendship and loss for forty years.

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.

In addition to being a Newbery Medal winner,  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 .

• Print length 192 pages
• Language English
• Grade level 3 - 7
• Dimensions 5.5 x 0.78 x 7.75 inches
• Publisher HarperCollins
• Publication date October 24, 2017
• ISBN-10 0062658743
• ISBN-13 978-0062658746
• See all details

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Editorial 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

About the Author

Katherine Paterson is one of the world’s most celebrated and beloved authors. Among her many awards are two Newberys and two National Book Awards, and she was recently named a "Living Legend” by the Library of Congress. She has been published in more than 22 languages in a variety of formats, from picture books to historical novels.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins; Special Edition (October 24, 2017)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 192 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062658743
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062658746
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 9 - 12 years, from customers
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.2 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.78 x 7.75 inches
• #6,205 in Stories in Verse
• #18,534 in Children's Classics
• #45,162 in Children's Fantasy & Magic Books

About the author

Katherine paterson.

Katherine Paterson is the internationally acclaimed author of over 35 books for children and young adults.

She has twice won both the Newbery Medal and the National Book Award. She received the 1998 Hans Christian Andersen Medal as well as the 2006 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for the body of her work, and was the National Ambassador for Children's Literature for the Library of Congress.

Two of her best-selling books have been made into feature films - "The Bridge to Terabithia" and "The Great Gilly Hopkins". An active promoter of reading, education and literacy, she lives in Barre, Vermont. She has four children and seven grandchildren, and her beloved dog, Pixie.

Visit Katherine Paterson on her web site at www.terabithia.com

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Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson, Book Review

Introduction: bridge to terabithia by katherine paterson, harper collins publishers bridge to terabithia, katherine paterson was inspired to write bridge to terabithia when her son’s close friend was killed by lightning. published in 1977, bridge to terabithia by katherine paterson is a children’s book about the friendship between jess aarons and leslie burke. nine year old leslie is an only child. and 10 year old jess is one of five children and the middle child., jess is feeling neglected as the middle child and doing too many chores in the household. his two older sisters are skilled at getting out of performing chores and his two younger sisters, may belle who is six years old and joyce anne who is four are considered to be too young to help out around the home..

The father works very hard. So when he returns home from his long commute from DC, he is too tired and doesn’t pay any attention to Jess. The young boy is feeling like he doesn’t have enough time for himself. And wants a quiet place where he can draw.

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The story: bridge to terabithia by katherine paterson.

When Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson starts, it is the summer. And Jess is training because he wants to be the fastest runner in fifth grade at Lark Creek Elementary School. For one day, on April 22nd, when he was in fourth grade, he won and was the hero at his school for a day. Each morning, before Jess does his chores, he runs across the meadows of his family’s small farm in rural Virginia – outside of Washington DC.

One morning while he is racing he notices someone sitting on a fence. But because of the way the person is dressed, and the hairstyle, he has a hard time figuring out if it's a girl or a boy. And that’s the first time he sees Leslie. Jess craves his father’s attention. And it is hope that if he becomes the fastest runner, his father will become proud of him. Leslie’s family recently moved into the old Perkins place, next to their farm.

When school opens after the summer holidays, the running resumes during recess. And Jess is confident that he is the fastest runner because he has been training so much. Leslie wants to participate. But the other boys do not want to allow her because she is a girl.

Jess stands up for her. And she ends up running faster than all the boys, including Jess, for the entire week. So that’s the end of running because which boy wants to lose a race against a girl? The other children at Lark Creek Elementary do not like Leslie because she looks, dresses and behaves differently from them.

Leslie and Jess develop a friendship. And you see the lad transforming into who he might become. Leslie likes him for who he is and doesn’t judge him. Jess’ father does not approve of his artistic abilities, though he is quite good, but his music teacher, Miss Edmunds, encourages him to continue drawing. Leslie and Jess find a secret place, between both properties, where they create an imaginary Kingdom that they name Terabithia. And the two become king and queen.

Leslie opens up a new world for him, also telling him about the books she read such as Narnia. Jess’ self-confidence starts to soar. Running is no longer important to him because he has something to look forward to – Terabithia. For Christmas, Jess sees a sign for free puppies and gets one for Leslie’s present, while she gets him a paint set. They name the puppy Prince Terrien.

One day, Miss Edmunds takes Jess to some of the museums in DC. But he doesn't get permission from his parents to go. When he returns home, he realizes that something is very wrong. And he learns that Leslie died while he was out. The parents think that he too had died. Jess doesn’t believe that Leslie is dead. But the good thing is that his father is there for him during this very difficult time. In honor of Leslie, who was more like an extension of himself, he makes the trek to Terabithia to hold a ceremony in her honor.

“”It's a sign from the Spirits,” Jess said quietly. “We made a worthy offering.” He walked slowly, as part of a great procession, though only the puppy could be seen, slowly forward carrying the queen's wreath to the sacred grove. He forced himself deep into the dark center of the grove and, kneeling, laid the wreath upon the thick carpet of golden needles. “Father, into Thy hands I commend her spirit.” He knew Leslie would have liked those words. They had the ring of the sacred grove in them. The solemn procession wound its way through the sacred grove homeward to the castle. Like a single bird across a stormcloud sky, a tiny peace winged its way through the chaos inside his body.”

He also uses the lumber he received from Leslie’s parents to build a bridge to Terabithia. May Belle follows him to see where he is going. And he carefully leads her to meet the imaginary people of Terabithia.

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Conclusion: bridge to terabithia by katherine paterson.

Although Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson is a children’s book, it demonstrates the power that friends have over each other.

It’s often been said that you are the sum total of the five people closest to you, who are you spending your time with? I recommend Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. After you've read the book, you can watch the film, Bridge to Terabithia [Blu-ray]

Books by Katherine Paterson

UPDATE: First Published April 2015 This article contains Amazon affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and buy any of the books from Amazon, the company will pay me a small commission.

About the Author  Avil Beckford

Hello there! I am Avil Beckford, the founder of The Invisible Mentor. I am also a published author, writer, expert interviewer host of The One Problem Podcast and MoreReads Success Blueprint, a movement to help participants learn in-demand skills for future jobs. Sign-up for MoreReads: Blueprint to Change the World today! In the meantime, Please support me by buying my e-books Visit My Shop , and thank you for connecting with me on LinkedIn , Facebook , Twitter and Pinterest !

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Bridge to Terabithia

Katherine paterson, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Katherine Paterson's Bridge to Terabithia . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

Bridge to Terabithia: Introduction

Bridge to terabithia: plot summary, bridge to terabithia: detailed summary & analysis, bridge to terabithia: themes, bridge to terabithia: quotes, bridge to terabithia: characters, bridge to terabithia: symbols, bridge to terabithia: theme wheel, brief biography of katherine paterson.

Historical Context of Bridge to Terabithia

Other books related to bridge to terabithia.

• Full Title: Bridge to Terabithia
• When Written: Mid-1970s
• When Published: 1977
• Literary Period: Contemporary
• Genre: Young Adult Fiction
• Setting: Virginia
• Climax: Jess learns that his best friend Leslie has died after falling into the rushing creek which separates their neighborhood from a dense wood—and from their imaginary “kingdom,” the land of Terabithia.
• Antagonist: Janice Avery; Mr. Aarons
• Point of View: Third Person

Extra Credit for Bridge to Terabithia

Based on a True Story. While young readers have, for decades, found themselves moved and challenged by the heartbreaking story of Bridge to Terabithia , few may know that it is based on a real-life tragedy. When Katherine Paterson’s son David was young, his best friend, Lisa Hill, died suddenly after being struck by lightning during a storm. Paterson wrote the novel as a tribute to Lisa and David—and, 30 years later, David produced and co-wrote the popular 2007 film adaptation of the book starring Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb.

Bridge to Terabithia

Katherine paterson. harpercollins, $22 (0pp) isbn 978-0-694-52452-5.

Reviewed on: 01/01/2001

Genre: Children's

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Book Review: Bridge to Terabithia

This book is about two unlikely friends who create an imaginary world with many kinds of animals and beasts. Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke become friends when Leslie moves and becomes Jess’s neighbor. But they really get to know each other when Leslie is the only girl to beat Jess in a running race.

One day, Jess and Leslie use a hanging rope to swing over a little river that is nearby, and that’s when they start to rule, as king and queen, the imaginary Terabithia.

There, the two friends have adventures as they try to rule over their subjects, and keep peace and order in Terabithia. Some of these subjects include hairy vultures, squogres, and other spirits, both good and bad. Squogres are massive squirrel-like creatures who are constantly growling, and they wear strange golden helmets with a spike on top, like a Triceratops.

With this book keeping you imaginative, with some sad and happy parts, I'm going to go with 3/5 stars for The Bridge to Terabithia.