Bridge to Terebithia

This book currently sits on my bookshelf. Next to all my paranormal romance and contemporary thrillers. From Sarah Dessen novels to John Green masterpieces.

It was there before all of them and it's the beginning of my reading habit. When I was just a little girl trying to read her 50 books for the year in 4th grade.

It's dogeared and the cover is worn and faded. It's perfect.

Leslie and Jess are the type of kids looking for a outlet. Imagination. Just something to make life more interesting.

They are all epitome of all children and I think that is what makes this book so special. It will always be relatable.

A book for all ages, although I think you should read it as a younger person just to fully understand. And then appreciate it when you're older.

Reader reviewed by Jessica

A story of growing up and enjoying life, BRIDGE TO TEREBITHIA tells the story of a pair of friends who create an imaginary world in which they can play and express themselves without worry of what other people will say or how they will be judged. A shockingly new story about friends who attach themselves through something imaginary, and escape the stress and confusion of growing up, this is a must read novel for all ages.

I personally enjoyed the book in fifth grade as much as I enjoy it now, in eleventh grade. It's message of self worth and compassion will be one to continue through the ages and be passed on through the years, becoming classic.

Reader reviewed by Alissa

Bridge to Terabithia is about a boy named Jesse who meets "the new girl", Leslie, and they create a magical place just their own. Most of the story is written about their real life, not their life in Terabithia. Jesse and Leslie go through lots of bullying at schools. Jesse chooses to take the bullying and try to ignore it, but Leslie rebels and tries to stop it. Leslie's additude towards life helps Jesse become a better person.

People have been saying that this book is terrible and that they hate it. I'd bet those are also the people that sob uncontrollably when a person dies and goes into denial.
Just because one of the favorites of the characters dies does not mean that this is a terrible book!
Infact, I think that Bridge to Terabithia is a great book. Amazing writing and amazing plot. The death is just something that happens all the time. People need to understand that if they would like to read this book happily. (I actually did cry a little bit at the death, but I handled it.)
You need to be able to handle death to read Bridge to Terabithia, but if you do read the book, you will absolutely love it!

Reader reviewed by Claire

I think this is a boring book. I hated it. Jess meets the new girl,Leslie, at school and they become friend. Leslie is teased a lot. They create a secret place in the forest by Jess's house. They swing over the creek on a rope to get to the secret place they call Terabithia.

Reader reviewed by Emma L

This is a magical book, that really makes you want to go and build a cool tree-fort like in the book.No matter what anyone tells you, this is a book for all ages, not just younger children. It has a great message, that you are never too old to stop imagining:) I loved this book, but the ending made me want to cry/smile all in one, because it is such a great ending. Loved this book!

Reader reviewed by Allison

This was a great book! What I liked about it was that it didnt have too much unrealistic things in it. It is also a great book because it gets your emotions running. It made me laugh, cry, giggle, and just about anything you can imagine. I definitely recommend reading this book. There is one Warning, though, the beginning of the book may be hard to get into, but trust me, it gets better. I didnt think that it was the best book ever, but it was pretty great!

Reader reviewed by Tracers (actingrules)

I heard a lot of different opinions on this book from sad and depressing to a must read book. I wanted to see for myself&&

Eleven year old, Jess Aarons has a pretty boring life. At home hes the only boy besides his dad in a family of 5 girls. His two older sisters are vain and dont care about anyone but themselves, his two younger sisters are unbelievably annoying, and his mom is overworked. At school he gets bullied around and almost all of his teachers bore him to death. His only two comforts are running in his familys field early in the morning and his music teacher who is the only person who appreciates his unique love for drawing.

However, when Leslie Burke moved in next door and beat him in a very important school race, Jess didnt think his life could get any worse. Oddly, his life changes when he unexpectedly befriends her. She shows him how to have fun by using her great imagination and creativity. She is a great example of a life loving human being. When Jess thinks their friendship couldnt get any more wonderful, she starts an imaginary world and dubs them King and Queen.

I have read one other book of Katherine Patersons, The Master Puppeteer.

I wasnt surprised when I found out that it won the 1977 National Book Award. I really enjoyed it and was looking forward to reading Bridge to Terabithia.

I have to say Katherine is a very amazing author with a great way of writing! She made me laugh, smile, and cry my eyes out in her book. Although, this book was very sad, it reminds you that life doesnt always have happy endings and that memory isnt a bad thing.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for ages 13+.

Reader reviewed by SELURECILA

AT FIRST I THOUGHT THIS BOOK WAS GOIN TO BE REALLY BORING COS WE WERE READING IT IN CLASS, AND ALL THE OTHER BOOKS WE HAVE RAD HAVE BEEN SOOO BORIN. SURPRISINGLY, FOR ME, I REALLY ENJOYED IT AND FOUND IT HARD NOT TO CRY INFRONT OF MY CLASS AT THE END!
READ IT. SEE WHAT YOU THINK.

Reader reviewed by nickie

This book Bridge to Teribithia is a heart warming tail about a boy who's life just does not seem to be riding smoothly; until he meets Leslie Burk agirl with courage, grit, happieness, and the power to iron out jess's life! Jess is torn at first between being friends with this weird girl Leslie like he wants or being normal and let some one else be her friend! Jess finally choses what he knows is right and decides to be friend Leslie.They discover together not only the stong firm bond of friendship but also a magical kindom called Teribithia. In Teribithia they fight imaginary foes and become even closer friends. Together in reality they defeet Janice Avery (the cow like girl) Gary Fulcher and Mrs.Myers. Even though Leslie has smoothed jess's life as much as possible he is still left with a few wrinkles! Some of his wrinkles are his dad, his 4 sisters and belive it or not Miss Edmunds! Through out this story leslie and Jess are joined by the little puppy prince Terian that Jess gave Leslie for christmas. Even though Jess and Leslie's friendship is strong Leslie leaves on an adventure that jess can not follow! Making teribithia no longer as special to him!This is was and always will be one of the best books I ever read! I hope every one else who reads this book or has read it will like it as much as i do!

Reader reviewed by Emeline (www.emelines.com)

Although some of you may think that it was dumb that Leslie was killed, its because this book was based on a true story. Katherin Paterson's (author) son's friend Lisa was killed by lightning. Soooo, she wrote a book about it.
P.S. go to my website www.emelines.com :)