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Bridge to Terabithia
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Bridge to Terabithia Paperback - 2017

by Katherine Paterson; Donna Diamond (Illustrator)

In this classic novel, the friendship between young Jess and Leslie grows as they meet in Terabithia--their secret hiding place--and only ends with the tragic death of one of them. Set in contemporary rural America, "the story is one of remarkable richness and depth, beautifully written."--"The Horn Book." 1978 Newbery Medal winner; ALA Notable Children's Books of 1976-1980.

From the publisher

The 40th anniversary edition of the classic Newbery Medal-winning title by beloved author Katherine Paterson, with brand-new bonus materials including an author's note by Katherine herself and a foreword by New York Times bestselling author Kate DiCamillo.

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.

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.

From the rear cover

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.

Details

  • Title Bridge to Terabithia
  • Author Katherine Paterson; Donna Diamond (Illustrator)
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition [ Edition: Repri
  • Pages 163
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher HarperCollins, New York
  • Date 2017-05-02
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9780064401845 / 0064401847
  • Weight 0.3 lbs (0.14 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.5 in (19.05 x 12.95 x 1.27 cm)
  • Ages 08 to 12 years
  • Grade levels 3 - 7
  • Reading level 810
  • Themes
    • Theometrics: Secular
    • Topical: Death/Dying
    • Topical: Family
    • Topical: Friendship
  • Library of Congress subjects Death, Virginia
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 77002221
  • Dewey Decimal Code FIC

Media reviews

Citations

  • Booklist, 10/01/1993, Page 335
  • Entertainment Weekly, 11/14/2014, Page 111
  • Hornbook Guide to Children, 01/01/2018, Page 119
  • School Library Journal, 01/01/2000, Page 0

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