Shelly's Book Review

Bridge to Terabithia

Anyone who is made fun of at school and has many other sibling in their home must at times feel very alone when the other siblings are receiving more attention.  That was very much the case in the book, Bridge to Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson, with young, 11 year old, Jess Aarons.

Jess has the dream of becoming the fastest runner in grades three through fifth.  He runs every morning, and one special morning, he came upon a girl named Leslie Burke.  Leslie is a new neighbor to Jess, and on the first day of school, he finds out she is in his grade.  At recess, Leslie beats Jess in the race he has longed to win all summer. 

Jess and Leslie do not become friends right away, but after a few months they become inseparable and best friends.  They play on rope swings together, and support each other’s talents when their families are not there to praise them for being unique.  They play in the woods together and use their imagination in creating their own safe haven in which they can have fun in their ideal surroundings. 

They go to this magical land together every day after school.  Until one day, a tragedy happens when trying to cross the bridge and enter into Terabithia.  One friend is left alone and feels there is no one there for support anymore.  The child becomes very depressed, but in the end wants Terabithia to continue in the memory of the best friend. 

Although this book is an easy read, and can be read by a variety of grades, the story is excellent and compelling.  You feel as though you are imagining Terabithia and are right there with Leslie and Jess.  Katherine does a wonderful job when creating this story. It hooks the reader from the very beginning and then puts in a tragic and ironic twist in the end.  However, this is a children’s book and she does turn it around to have a happy ending. 

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