Bridge to Terabithia

By Katherine Paterson, Donna Diamond (Illustrator)

A friendship forged in imagination faces a tragic test, altering two worlds forever.

5.8/7 Bookroo expert·4.1/5 Goodreads · 601,021 ratings

128 pages· 32,911 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

Jess Aarons dreams of being the fastest runner, but new girl Leslie Burke changes everything. Their friendship blossoms in the magical land of Terabithia, a refuge from reality. When tragedy strikes, Jess must navigate loss and find strength in the memories they created. Can he honor Leslie's spirit and embrace the courage she inspired? This poignant tale explores the depths of friendship and the resilience needed to overcome life's unexpected challenges.

From the publisher

All summer, Jess pushed himself to be the fastest boy in the fifth grade, and when the year’s first school-yard race was run, he was going to win.But his victory was stolen by a newcomer, by a girl, one who didn’t even know enough to stay on the girls’ side of the playground. Then, unexpectedly, Jess finds himself sticking up for Leslie, for the girl who breaks rules and wins races. The friendship between the two grows as Jess guides the city girl through the pitfalls of life in their small, rural town, and Leslie draws him into the world of imaginations world of magic and ceremony called Terabithia. Here, Leslie and Jess rule supreme among the oaks and evergreens, safe from the bullies and ridicule of the mundane world. Safe until an unforeseen tragedy forces Jess to reign in Terabithia alone, and both worlds are forever changed. In this poignant, beautifully rendered novel, Katherine Paterson weaves a powerful story of friendship and courage.

Awards

Newbery Medal (1978)

At a glance

Format
Pages: 128
Words: 32,911
Reading age: 9–12
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 810L

Themes & topics

Books about death, grief, and bereavement Books about imagination and play Books about making friends Books about trees Books about coping with death

For the grown-ups

The parent guide

What families may want to know

Every family reads differently. These are the concepts our editors noticed in this book — worth seeking out for some readers, worth knowing about for others. The list isn't exhaustive, but it's a spoiler-light head start.

Presence of Death

[Spoiler] The climax of this story is the death of a dear friend and coping with the loss.

Language

Some mild cursing.

What readers & critics say