Bridge to Terabithia
Paterson, K. (1972). Bridge to Terabithia. NY: Harper Collins
Publishers.
Jess is an
eleven year old fifth grader who lves in a rural area of the South. His family
is poor and he yearns for the attention of his father. He wants to be the
fastest fifth grader in his class, hoping this will make him fit in. When the
first race comes around during recess, Jess is confident he will win. All of
his hopes and dreams are dashed when a new girl in town named Leslie wins
instead. Surprisingly, the pair become
fast friends and spends all of their free time together, Jess already has a
vivid imagination but, Leslie broadens it and they create their own fantasy
world called Terabithia. The time they spend in Terabithia seems to strengthen
how they cope with the realities of the real world. Everything seems to be
going well until one day tragedy strikes. Leslie accidentally drowns trying to
cross the creek on the rope they used to get to Terabithia. Jess is devastated
beyond belief. In order to keep Leslie’s memory alive and his new found
confidence, he realizes he must continue in the world of Terabithia so Leslie
can live on forever.
Bridge to
Terabithia is a great book for tweens. It is a story of love, acceptance,
friendship and loss. It is very relevant for today’s time. However, unusual for
tweens to consciously immerse themselves in a fantasy world collectively,
nonetheless certainly relatable. It explores the bond between two people who
become closer to each other than family. It also expresses how even after the
worst tragedy imaginable we can over and still honor our love one with memories
however fantasy or not.
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