Bridge to Terabithia

xxpish - Jess(e) wants to be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. He practices every morning, before he has to go milk the cow. He lives on a farm with four sisters and their parents. One day when new neighbors move into the house next door, he meets Leslie, their 10-year-old daughter. After a few days, they become friends and they want to make a place where only they can go, and that only they know about. So they create Terabithia, a “magical” world with a castle built out of a few pieces of wood, that they swing across a creek on the rope to access. They are the king and queen of Terabithia, and that is their spot to talk and hang out. When the rain starts pouring for days, Terabithia becomes harder to enter. In a tale woven of friendship, magical worlds and loss; Bridge To Terabithia is a lovely story that involves lots of imagination. My thoughts: Bridge to Terabithia was a very imaginative story. The friendship in this story is unbreakable, and bond between Jess and Leslie grows stronger as the story goes along. I love how they just make this world where they are the rulers, and fight off enemies and speak in old english. It’s just so creative. Also getting across the creek with a rope; how awesome is that!?! I want a Terabithia in MY backyard! The setting for this story was great too. It is set back in the day, with “fancy, old language” such as, “Yes, ‘m.” I think that is just funny; I love the way they used to talk back in the olden days. The ending is soooooooo sad If you like classics, this is a great book.

January 1, 2001
Paterson's Newbery-winning novel becomes an entertaining and dramatic audiobook via Leonard's accomplished reading. Jess Aarons is eager to start fifth grade. He's been practicing his sprints all summer, determined to become the fastest runner at school. All seems to be on track, until the new girl in class (who also happens to be Jess's new next-door neighbor), Leslie Burke, leaves all the boys in the dust, including Jess. After this rather frustrating introduction, Jess and Leslie soon become inseparable. Together, they create an imaginary, secret kingdom in the woods called Terabithia that can be reached only by swinging across a creek bed on a rope. But one morning a tragic accident befalls Leslie as she ventures alone to Terabithia, and Jess's life is changed forever. Leonard deftly interprets the strands of humor, realism and heart-wrenching emotion woven into Paterson's fine tale. His careful and authentic handling of Jess's anger and grief in the aftermath of the accident is sure to touch listeners. Contemporary instrumental interludes featuring guitar, piano and drums signal the beginning and end of each tape side. Ages 9-up.

January 1, 2000
Jesse's colorless rural world expands when he becomes fast friends with Leslie, the new girl in school. But when Leslie drowns trying to reach their special hideaway, Terabithia, Jesse struggles to accept the loss of his friend. A Newbery Medal winner.

Copyright 2000 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.