Bridge to Terabithia
by Katherine Paterson
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Book Summary Information
Author: Katherine PatersonBrand: HARPER COLLINS PUBLISHERS
Illustrator: Donna Diamond
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2004-12-28
ISBN: 0060734019
Number of pages: 208
Publisher: HarperTeen
Book Reviews of Bridge to Terabithia
Book Review: Share this story
Summary: 5 Stars
The story is all about the friendship that grows between two kids and the imaginary world they create. Anyone who has gone on make-believe adventures with their best friend will enjoy this book. The theme of friendship can be found in many great works of literature and Katherine Paterson's book is wonderful because she develops her characters.
Jesse Aarons and Leslie Burke, the main characters, were more than best friends. Out of all the words in a dictionary, Katherine Paterson picked the perfect one to describe their friendship: bridged. Just as a bridge links two places, their friendship connected them.
Life was boring on the farm and full of problems for Jesse. His family had little money and he was ridiculed by the school children because of his drawings. The school children would ridicule him because he was too poor to afford artistic supplies, such as paints, pastels, colored pencils, etc. All he could use were stubby, school crayons that broke when you pressed down on them. Leslie stopped the ridicule by giving him some of the supplies a normal artist had. However, they would have never met if Leslie's parents had not decided to move. They chose the Perkin's place right next door to Jesse.
At first, Leslie was upset when her parents moved. She had gotten use to the city and popularity. Leslie was bored and lonely. So was Jesse. When they met, however, everything changed for good. Jesse had Leslie to support him and she was one less person to ridicule him. Leslie also benefited from the friendship. Jesse was the only one who did not ridicule her for wearing shorts and a T-shirt instead of the normal gear or eating yogurt. She, in addition, had someone to share her imagination with. They were true friends. The creation of Terabithia plunged them further still into friendship. Leslie wanted a place of freedom. That is what the woods became.
Leslie decided that the woods were a perfect place for their freedom. They built a stronghold next to a spacious pine groove. The woods were named Terabithia: a secret kindom where they could be rulers. At first, Jesse was not interested in making up an imaginary land. He, in the beginning, did not believe some imaginary place would help him. Then he realized he needed a friend. One less person to ridicule him was a great reward for some imagination. It was more then great. He was a king. No one could bother the place or them. Terabithia was forever strong and defended. The pine grove was even better. There he imagining spirits of all kinds watching them. The pine needles made the carpet for this separate castle all of its own. Leslie's time with Jesse made them understand each other more and made their problems disappear for while.
No one argued more than Jesse's mother did. There was always some complaint. One of her major topics was Leslie and Jesse's father ignored Leslie rather rudely, but nothing could stop their friendship, however. They were stuck together. Jess needed Leslie. Without her, he was as empty as a newly made gourd. He said,"I grew strong and courageous. Without Leslie, I was without guts." I can easily say they trusted each other. Jesse said, "We always walked together. I didn't push away." He went deep in the woods with her where he previously thought was haunted. Leslie expected Jesse to be ready for their trudge to Terabithia every day. Rain or shine, Jesse always was. Jesse even forgot Leslie was a city kid. He grew to be comfortable with her.
The theme friendship develops the story's characters. It brings them together and makes the inseparable. As the friendship progresses so does the story. It weaves in and out of the pages connecting their meaning. This makes Bridge to Terabithia a great read. I watched the quick formation of the friendship and thought, "Wow, nothing can stop them. That is how I want to be."
I enjoyed this book and I believe you will too. It is a great read for anyone who enjoys books about true friendship. I happen to be one of those people. If you decide to read it, you will want to share it. It is so original that it should be passed along a long line of your friends. Especially if you like books about friendship, you should read Bridge to Terabithia and share it with someone who enjoys the same theme.
Summary of Bridge to Terabithia
Jess Aarons' greatest ambition is to be the fastest runner in his 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 girl boldly crosses over to the boys' side and outruns everyone.
That's not a very promising beginning for a friendship, but Jess and Leslie Burke become inseparable. Together they 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.
The story starts out simply enough: Jess Aarons wants to be the fastest boy in the fifth grade--he wants it so bad he can taste it. He's been practicing all summer, running in the fields around his farmhouse until he collapses in a sweat. Then a tomboy named Leslie Burke moves into the farmhouse next door and changes his life forever. Not only does Leslie not look or act like any girls Jess knows, but she also turns out to be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. After getting over the shock and humiliation of being beaten by a girl, Jess begins to think Leslie might be okay.
Despite their superficial differences, it's clear that Jess and Leslie are soul mates. The two create a secret kingdom in the woods named Terabithia, where the only way to get into the castle is by swinging out over a gully on an enchanted rope. Here they reign as king and queen, fighting off imaginary giants and the walking dead, sharing stories and dreams, and plotting against the schoolmates who tease them. Jess and Leslie find solace in the sanctuary of Terabithia until a tragedy strikes and the two are separated forever. In a style that is both plain and powerful, Katherine Paterson's characters will stir your heart and put a lump in your throat.
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