Paterson, K. (1972). Bridge
to Terabithia. New York: Crown.
A young boy named Jesse, whose major goal is the become the fastest runner in fifth grade, meets a new girl in school named Leslie. It hurts his pride when she ends up being the fastest runner; but a friendship begins that will change Jesse’s life. Both are seen as outcasts in this 1970’s rural school. They bond and create the world of Terabithia where they are the King and Queen. Terabithia can only be accessed by swinging across a creek on a rope swing. One day, Jesse goes to Washington to visit the National Gallery with his music teacher on whom he has a secret crush. While he is gone, Leslie falls to her death trying to swing across the creek to Terabithia.
This realistic fictional novel would be best for students fourth grade and older. It tackles the tough issues of not fitting in with your family, bullying at school and most importantly, the death of a friend. This classic book is almost 40 years old, but stands the test of time (and attempted book bans) due to the beautiful story of friendship how it honestly portrays that life is far from perfect.
1978 Newberry Award Winner
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