Bridge to Terabithia
by Katherine Paterson
Fiction, Young-Adult, Classics, Fantasy, Middle-Grade, Realistic-Fiction
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. 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.
Recommendations from Common Sense Media
Age Recommendation: 9+
What 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.”
Positive Messages: 3/5
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: 4/5
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: 3/5
A main character dies. The death isn’t described in detail. Cremation is mentioned.
Sex, Romance & Nudity: n/a
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Language: 2/5
“Bitch,” “damn,” and “hell,” “Lord.” A child says, “God’ll d–n you all to hell.”
Products & Purchases: n/a
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Drinking, Drugs & Smoking: n/a
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