Bridge to Terabithia

Paterson, Katherine. (1977). Bridge to Terabithia. New York: HarperTrophy.


Jesse works on the family farm to help his family financially. He also practices his running all summer so he can be the best. Then Leslie, the new neighbor, shows up and proves she is the fastest runner in fifth grade. Leslie and Jesse form a friendship like no other. Together they create their magical kingdom Terabithia. After Leslie decides to go to Terabithia alone she tragically dies, Jesse must deal with the heartache of losing someone close to him. He must find a way to accept her death and try to move on somehow.

 Evaluative Criteria: Setting; Plot

Jess grew up in the small town while Leslie is coming from the big city. The woods near his house is a great place where their imaginations can roam free. The place where they go escape and be different from their everyday lives, turn out to be the place where Leslie dies. The setting is very important in this book. Many life changes occur there. Plot can be seen when Leslie’s family trade riches for a simple country life. Leslie’s parents want her to know there is more to life than money. The climax is when Leslie dies. Now Jesse must try to deal with this tragic loss. We see the silver lining at the end when Jesse introduces May Belle to Terabithia and Jesse can pay it forward. This is his way of healing his inner scars.