Bridge to Terabithia

Bibliographic Citation

Paterson, K., DiCamillo, K., Diamond, D., HarperCollins Publishers, & Thomas Y. Crowell Company. (1977). Bridge to Terabithia. HarperCollins.

About the Book

Bridge to Terabithia is a book about Jess, a boy who enjoys drawing and has had trouble making friends at school. He trains very hard the summer before 5th grade to be the top runner in his school. Little did he know a new neighbor named Leslie Burke ends up outrunning him. Jess and Leslie eventually become close friends and together escape to an imaginary world called Terabithia which they enter by swinging with a rope across a creek. Rain ends up making the creek dangerous to cross and Leslie dies when doing it on her own a day that Jess is invited to a museum by one of his teachers. One thing Jess finds to cope with the loss of his friend is building a bridge across the creek to prevent anyone from falling again.

This book presents themes that relate to a worldwide audience. The writer does not condescend the audience, instead respects the fact that young readers should have books that talk about loss and overcoming troubles. The imagery in the book allows the reader to visualize Terabithia as perceived by Jess and Leslie. Some themes shared in the book expressed celebrating differences, friendship, and grief.

Connections

Book trailer

Books with similar themes:

• Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

• Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

Other books by author:

• The Same Stuff As Stars

• Bread and Roses, Too

Teaching ideas:

• This book was awarded a Newbery Medal. Ask students to write a short persuasive essay about why they think this book is worthy or not of the recognition it received.

Requirement the Book Meet

• Required book list