Search - Bridge to Terabithia

Bridge to Terabithia
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Bridge to Terabithia
Author: Katherine Paterson

Book Information
Publisher: HarperTrophy
Book Type: Paperback
Rating:

ISBN-13: 9780064401845 - ISBN-10: 0064401847
Publication Date: 6/17/1987
Pages: 144
Reading Level: Ages 9-12


Other Versions of this Book: Audio CD (Unabridged), Hardcover, Audio Cassette (Unabridged), Hardcover

Book Description:

A secret world of their own

Jess Aaron's greatest ambition is to be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. He's been practicing all summer and can't wait to see his classmates' faces when he beats them all. But on the first day of school, a new kid, a new girl, boldly crosses over to the boy's side of the playground and outruns everyone.

That's not a very promising beginning for a friendship, but Jess and Leslie Burke become inseparable. It doesn't matter to Jess that leslie dresses funny, or that her family has a lot of money -- but no TV. Leslie has imagination. Together, she and Jess create Terabithia, a magical kingdom in the woods where the two of them reign as king and queen, and their imaginations set the only limits. Then one morning a terrible tragedy occurs. Only when Jess is able to come to grips with this tragedy does he finally understand the strength and courage Leslie has given him.


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Top Member Book Reviews

Carrie B. (twinsplusone) wrote on 4/11/2007...

4 member(s) found this review helpful.

A classic, must read. Only passing on because I have another copy.
It's a book you'll read over and over at any age.

Sandra L. (nesmith52) wrote on 1/24/2007...

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Winner of the 1978 Newberry Medal and currently being made into a major motion picture, this wonderful little book is great reading for adults as well as children.
Despite a not very promising beginning for a friendship, Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke become inseperable. It doesn't matter to Jess that Leslie dresses funny, or that her family has a lot of money, but no TV. Leslie has imagination and together she and Jess create Terabithia, a magical kingdom in the woods where the two of them reign as king and queen. Then a terrible tragedy occues and only when Jess is able to come to grips with this tragedy does he finally understand the strength and courage Leslie has given him.

Colin M. wrote on 7/1/2006...

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

I read this book the first time as a grade-schooler. I loved it, I loved how it didn't lie to me and how it didn't pretty things up. I loved the purity of it. I searched for it for years and finally found it again (I was incredibly surprised that so few book-store employees had never heard of it!) in my twenties. It took me back to the first time I read it and I enjoyed it just as much as an adult as I did when I was younger. I highly recommend this book and have even gone so far as to buy and send copies of it to friends and relatives since finding it again.

Kristi J. (midwinter) wrote on 7/19/2005...

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

This is one of the best children's books I have ever read. It's a powerful, yet simple, story about friendship, life, and finding your place in the world. Despite being an award winner, this book is frequently banned - do yourself a favor and fight censorship by reading this wonderful tale!

Donna E. (impossible) wrote on 9/22/2008...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

No wonder this book was awarded a Newbery Medal it is a can't-put-it down story that will set any reader thinking.

Karen B. (SciFiFan) - Land O Lakes, FL wrote on 6/28/2008...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

This is a fabulous book! I read it in one sitting and although I am an adult, I believe a teen would really like this. The ending is sad, so prepare yourself, but even so, it was wonderful. I would say, even catharctic. Enjoy...

Debbie G. (hopehope) wrote on 9/19/2007...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

A good story for all ages... Katherine Patterson's "Bridge to Terabithia" is a Winner of the Newbery Medal... Just recently released as a movie... This book is a little different... Still the same story... Some of the events that take place are different than the movie... also more detailed... isn't that the way it is though... the book always seems to be better... Although I did enjoy the movie too... Great read for those 8 years and up... smile, dg

Reina W. (maddiesmommy) wrote on 8/3/2007...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

A really wonderful book. It's better than the movie. I'd recommend this book for a 5th grader and up. A great book for a young reader or an adult.

V M. (Giggles) wrote on 5/16/2007...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

I loved this story of two best friends who just happen to be of the opposite sex. They play in their imaginary kingdom until something happens to one of the friends. I think my best part is having a place to go away from everyone else where your imagination can run free.

Susan D. (leecat2) wrote on 3/24/2007...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Do not read this book if you don't want to cry.


Please Rate these Book Reviews

Tammy A. (gracinator) wrote on 1/24/2009...


I enjoyed the movie much more than the book. I watched to movie before I read the book thinking that it would be a great read. But there again the movie didn't follow the book entirely. It is a wonderful piece of writing, but the story shocked me. As a Christian I didn't like the fact that Lesie was worshiping the trees/forests. While at the same time they were going to church and talking about how God would send people to to H*** if they did believe in the Bible. Over all a nice book, but from another point of view, ( Say a Mother's, or Christian's) it falls short of brilliant. I'm not a mother, but I am a Christian and I don't really think this book is The Best I've ever read.

Karen H. (KarenILMom) wrote on 11/25/2008...


An excellent story - easy read. Would be enjoyable for young readers.

Amy J. (shyinside) wrote on 8/29/2008...


Do not read this book or allow an emotionally unstable child/person to read this book until/unless you need a good cry. I read it in preparation for seeing the movie. I wound up in tears even before finishing it. The movie is sad but the book is way worse.

Kristine S. (NHBookLover) wrote on 7/14/2008...


I cannot believe I had never read this before! Jess and Leslie get off to a rough start but quickly become best friends. Leslie is a wonderful story teller and she and Jess create their own land of Terabithia. One morning, while Jess goes off on a spur of the moment trip with his favorite teacher (forgetting to include Leslie) a tragedy occurs.

Tamar A. (Anoushig03) wrote on 7/14/2008...


I think that this book wasn't as good as the movie. It still brought tears to my eyes... moving and touching.

MichelleBInGa wrote on 1/9/2008...


Good story. Sad at the end.

Faye K. (koalamama) wrote on 8/23/2007...


This story really should come with a warning label. It's horribly sad, without warning. A cute story gone wrong, absolutely heartbreaking. It totally ruined the whole thing for me.

Kristi C. wrote on 7/22/2007...


An awesome book! A very sad book but well written.

Carolyn J. (CJ73) wrote on 6/5/2007...


I ordered this book after seeing the move trailers and this book looked nothing like the movie...it was a nice story but not what I was expecting.

Michael A. (malone99) wrote on 5/4/2007...


Two lives are bridged - and nothing will ever be the same.


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