Bridge to Terabithia by Katharine Paterson

Title: Bridge to Terabithia
Author: Katharine Paterson
ISBN: 0-06-440184-7
128 pages
HarperTrophy, 1987 edition

A Newbery Medal winner and long considered classic of children's literature, 'Bridge to Terabithia' was required reading when I was a 'tween'. Although that seems long, long ago for me (and may have been longer ago for some others), I still remember reading this book back in elementary school. I remember hearing about a move version being released not too long ago, but I can't imagine it is as moving as the original novel.

Description:

'Bridge to Terabitha' tells the beautiful story of two fifth graders whose relationship begins with a footrace, but blossoms into so much more. Jesse Oliver Aarons Jr. (or more simply, Jess) pines to be the fastest kid in his class, when a U-haul truck brings in some new neighbors; and new competition. Leslie Burke is the new kid in class and instantly creates tension by beating all of the other kids in school in running (even the boys).

The two kids, even with this contentious encounter soon become friends. Both having their own troubles fitting in with their peers, Jess and Leslie decide to imagine their own kingdom, Terabithia, that is only for them and in which they rule like King and Queen; "it would be so secret that we wouldn't have to tell anyone about it" (says Leslie in the book). Jess and Leslie soon become inseparable and through their adventures in Terabithia their relationship grows stronger. While Jess is away on a sort of field trip, a horrific tragedy befalls Leslie as she slips in a river and drowns. Jess is understandably devastated, but in his relationship with Leslie and the place they created, he finds strength (with that strength and a fortunate set of circumstances leading to him saving his sister from a similar fate).

Review:

My mother had told me, upon hearing about my reviewing of 'tween' books, that this book had been quite a bit controversial, even when I read it for my own class. With that being said, I see no reason for any controversy. The book is very sad and the death quite tragic,  and Jess does have an eye for a teacher, but none of these is off-putting or inappropriate. The book is beautifully written and, albeit very emotional and sad, Jess derives strength from the loss of Leslie. Short enough at 128 pages for kids not to feel overburdened but long enough for them to become attached to the characters, 'Bridge to Terabithia' is a fantastic book and I can see why it has become required reading in many schools.