Bridge to Terabithia

Written by Katherine Paterson

Newbery Award Winner

 

 

Jess Aaron's practices everyday to become the fastest runner in his school so that he can be the best at something. One day when the races start at recess, a new student (who also happens to be a girl), Leslie Burke, crosses over to the boys side and beats everyone at a race. Though this does not seem like a promising start, Leslie and Jess quickly become good friends. Most days, they go into the woods behind their home and play in their imaginary land called "Terabithia". They have constructed bridges, swings, and tree house's to help aid them in their imaginary exploration. However, one day while Jess is gone on a field trip with his teacher, Leslie goes to Terabithia alone and has an accident where she falls into a creek and drowns. The remainder of the book shows Jess as he goes through the five stages of grief, unsure of how he is supposed to continue living as adventurously as he did while with Leslie. By the end of the book, Jess understands that he can carry his memories of Leslie with him wherever he goes. 

 

This book is a tearjerker and can be very emotional for children to read, however I feel that it's important for students to understand that emotions are normal. Because of this, I would recommend this book for students starting in sixth grade. I would keep it in my library for them to read (if allowed at my school) but it wouldn't be a book that I would use for a whole group activity.