Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

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Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Published by Harper Collins: 1977

1978 Newbery Medal Winner

Novel

Summary:

This story follows Jesse, the middle of five children with only sisters, as he befriends the new girl down the road – Leslie. Jesse struggles to find acceptance from his father, who seems to want his only son – Jesse – to be a manly man. Shortly before school start a new family moves in down the road. Their daughter – Leslie – is Jesse’s age and after some time of Jesse trying to avoid it, him and Leslie become close friends. They create their own world, Terabithia, in which they are the rulers of the nation. It is a magical place where their everyday worries melt away. Their friendship grows until a tragic day that threatens Terabithia and all Jesse and Leslie have built.

Response:

I found this book extremely moving and emotional. I began to bond with the characters when they finally began to forage their friendship. Both seemed like somewhat of outsiders (in family or school) and they were able to build a special bond with each other. I felt for Jesse for feeling like he had to hide his the one hobby he truly enjoyed – painting and drawing. This book was first published in 1977 and the use of a somewhat older English language is used. However, I felt that this really added a certain element to the story and the fantasy world of Terabithia that they created. Some days I wish I had my own Terabithia and envy the creative minds that young children have. Leslies death caused my to cry as Jesse lost his one true friend. This may have been emphasized by my own personal experience of losing a friend at a young age. All in all I loved this story.

For the Reader:

As previously mentioned this is an older book and as such is written in a bit of an older English reader. Do not let this turn you away from the wonderful story found within these words.

This book does contain some language that may be viewed as offensive (bitch, damn, hell, lord) though nothing over the top and it is fairly minimal. As well there is some mention of religious beliefs, God and hell. Finally the story does involve childhood death, something which may be emotionally disturbing. However, I my opinion it deals with this in a very appropriate way showing how Jesse works through the death and how he deals with his emotions.