Book overview
Now a major motion picture from Disney, starring Josh Hutcherson and Zooey Deschanel! Discover the beloved Newbery Medal-winning story by bestselling author Katherine Paterson, a modern classic of friendship and loss.
Jess Aarons has been practicing all summer so he can be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. And he almost is, until the new girl in school, Leslie Burke, outpaces him. The two become fast friends and spend most days in the woods behind Leslie's house, where they invent an enchanted land called Terabithia. One morning, Leslie goes to Terabithia without Jess and a tragedy occurs. It will take the love of his family and the strength that Leslie has given him for Jess to be able to deal with his grief.
In addition to being a Newbery Medal winner, Bridge to Terabithia was also named an ALA Notable Children's Book and has become a touchstone of children's literature, as have many of Katherine Paterson's other novels, including The Great Gilly Hopkins and Jacob Have I Loved.
How does a boy who has just found his other half learn to go on when she's gone?
- An Unlikely Friendship: Between a country boy who wants to be the fastest runner in his class and the smart, imaginative new girl who beats him in the first race.
- The Power of Imagination: Discover the secret kingdom of Terabithia, a magical world in the woods that two friends build for themselves, ruled by a king and queen and safe from the pressures of the real world.
- A Heartbreaking Story of Loss: A sudden tragedy changes everything, leaving one friend to navigate the overwhelming pain of loss for the first time.
- A Coming of Age Classic: A timeless and unforgettable story that has taught generations of young readers about the strength it takes to face grief, hold onto hope, and find your own bridge to the future.