Bridge to Terabithia (novel) facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Katherine Paterson |
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| Illustrator | Donna Diamond |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Thomas Y. Crowell Co. |
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Publication date
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October 21, 1977 |
| ISBN | 978-0-690-01359-7 (hardback edition) |
| LC Class | PZ7.P273 Br |
Bridge to Terabithia is a famous children's novel written by Katherine Paterson. It was first published in 1977 and won the important Newbery Medal award the very next year.
The book tells the story of Jesse Aarons, a fifth-grader who loves to draw. His life changes when he meets his new neighbor, Leslie Burke. Leslie is a brave and imaginative girl who beats Jess in a school race. Even though they are different, they become the best of friends. Together, they create a secret, magical kingdom in the woods called "Terabithia." This special place helps Jess become more confident and less angry.
Katherine Paterson wrote the book after a sad event in real life. In 1974, her son's friend passed away suddenly. The story of Bridge to Terabithia has been discussed a lot over the years, sometimes because of its sad parts. It has been made into movies twice: a TV movie in 1985 and a bigger movie in 2007.
Contents
About the Book's Idea
The author, Katherine Paterson, got the idea for Bridge to Terabithia from a real-life event. Her son, David, had a close friend named Lisa Christina Hill. Sadly, Lisa passed away in 1974 after being struck by lightning. She was only eight years old. This sad event inspired Paterson to write a story about friendship and loss.
The name "Terabithia" might sound a bit like "Terebinthia," an island from the The Chronicles of Narnia books by C. S. Lewis. Katherine Paterson said she thought she made up the name "Terabithia." But later, she realized she might have remembered it from Lewis's book The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. In the story, Leslie even lends Jess the Narnia books to help him learn how to act like a king in their imaginary kingdom.
What Happens in the Story
Ten-year-old Jesse "Jess" Aarons spends his summer trying to become the fastest runner at his school. He secretly loves to draw, but his dad doesn't really approve. Only his music teacher, Miss Edmunds, encourages his art.
A new girl named Leslie Burke moves in next door. She's a tomboy from a wealthy family. On the first day of school, Leslie surprises everyone by winning all the races, even against the boys. Other kids tease Leslie for being different, but Jess becomes her friend. He stands up for her against Janice Avery, an older bully.
Jess and Leslie find a special place by a dry creek behind Leslie's house. They pretend it's a secret, magical kingdom called Terabithia. To get there, they swing across the creek on an old rope. They imagine themselves as the king and queen of this hidden land.
One day, Jess's younger sister, May Belle, has her snacks stolen by Janice Avery. To get back at Janice, Jess and Leslie write a fake love letter to her from a boy she likes. Janice is embarrassed when the boy doesn't show up for the made-up date.
Later, Leslie finds Janice crying in the bathroom. Janice shares a secret about her family troubles and how her friends spread rumors. Leslie comforts Janice, telling her that things will get better. That night, May Belle tells Jess she followed them to Terabithia. Jess makes her promise not to tell anyone or follow them again.
Around Easter, Jess and Leslie go to church with Jess's family. Leslie has different ideas about the stories they hear, which upsets May Belle.
As the days pass, heavy rain turns the dry creek into a fast-flowing river. Jess becomes scared to swing across, but Leslie isn't afraid. One Thursday morning, Miss Edmunds invites Jess to visit the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.. While Jess is gone, a terrible accident happens. Leslie tries to swing over the swollen creek to Terabithia, but the rope breaks. She hits her head and drowns in the water.
Jess is heartbroken when he hears the news. His father comforts him, assuring him that Leslie is in a good place. Jess goes back to the creek and builds a special funeral wreath for Leslie in Terabithia. May Belle follows him and gets scared trying to cross the creek. Jess helps her safely back.
Jess's teacher, Mrs. Myers, shares her own experience with loss, helping Jess understand his feelings. Using wood left by Leslie's family, Jess builds a strong bridge across the creek. He puts flowers in May Belle's hair and leads her across the new bridge. Jess and May Belle then play in Terabithia, with Jess as the king and May Belle as the new queen.
Main Characters
- Jesse Aarons – At the start of the story, Jess often feels worried and angry because of his family's difficulties. He also looks up to his music teacher, Miss Edmunds. After meeting Leslie and then losing her, Jess changes. He becomes braver and learns to let go of his anger.
- Leslie Burke – Leslie is a smart, creative, and outgoing girl. She is the one who dreams up the imaginary kingdom of Terabithia. She's good at many things, like gymnastics, writing, swimming, and running. Jess admires her greatly, and they are very loyal friends. She's new to Jess's school and isn't easily accepted by other students. Leslie passes away when the rope breaks as she swings across the creek, causing her to hit her head and drown.
- May Belle Aarons – She is one of Jesse's younger sisters. Jess feels comfortable with her, more than his other siblings. Even though she's younger, she's the closest to him. She's the first of his sisters to find out about Terabithia. After Leslie's death, she becomes the new queen of Terabithia.
- Ellie and Brenda Aarons – These are Jesse's two older sisters. They often ask their mom for favors and boss their younger siblings around. They don't usually show much kindness to Jess.
- Joyce Ann Aarons – Jesse's youngest sister, who is four years old. She doesn't have a big role in the story.
- Janice Avery – The main bully at Lark Creek school. She is sensitive about her weight. Janice has a crush on a boy named Willard Hughes, which Jess and Leslie use to play a trick on her. She also has a secret about her father.
- Miss Edmunds – Jess's music teacher. She is a bit different from other teachers and Jess really likes her. She invites Jess to the Smithsonian Museum, which leads to Leslie going to Terabithia alone.
- Prince Terrien – A puppy that Jess gives to Leslie for Christmas. He is seen as the protector and "court jester" of Terabithia. In the book, he's called P.T.
- Gary Fulcher – He and Jess both want to be the fastest kid in fifth grade. He is another student who sometimes acts like a bully.
- Mrs. Myers – Jess and Leslie's teacher. She is nicknamed "Monster Mouth Myers." She thinks highly of Leslie. After Leslie's death, she shares her own experience with losing someone, which helps Jess.
- William and Judith (Hancock) Burke – Leslie's parents. They are writers who moved to the area for their work. Unlike many local families, they don't own a television. Leslie calls them "Bill and Judy."
Why the Book is Important
Bridge to Terabithia is often read in English classes around the world. The book has been discussed a lot because it deals with sad topics like death. Sometimes, people have wanted to remove it from libraries or schools. However, it remains a very popular and important book.
In 2012, a survey by School Library Journal ranked Bridge to Terabithia as one of the top ten best children's novels of all time.
Movies and Plays
The book has been made into two films, both with the same title:
- A TV movie was made in 1985.
- A theatrical film was released in 2007. This movie was directed by Gabor Csupo and partly written by David Paterson, the author's son. The film added some new fantasy creatures to Terabithia, like Squogres and Hairy Vultures.
There is also a musical stage play based on the book, called The Bridge to Terabithia.
See also
In Spanish: Un puente hacia Terabithia (novela) para niños
- Beat the Turtle Drum
- Waiting To Dive
