Bridge to Terabithia 

by Katherine Paterson

Paterson, K. (1972). Bridge to Terabithia. New York, NY: Harper Collins. 

When not doing chores around his family's farm, Jesse Aarons has been doing one thing this summer, running.  He just knows that this year HE will be the fastest kid in the whole fifth grade.  Imagine his shock, and everyone else's, when his new neighbor Leslie (a girl!) easily beats him on the first day of school.  Despite the heartbreak Jesse soon discovers that Leslie is unlike any girl he has ever met.  She's smart, funny and has one incredible imagination.  Together they create Terabithia, a magical and sacred land where they are the rulers and the adventures never end.  Until one fateful day when Jesse is away and a terrible tragedy occurs costing Jesse his best friend and threatening the future of the kingdom they created.

Evaluation Criteria: Setting and Gender and Culture

Bridge to Terabithia is set in the small rural town of Lark Creek, VA, which Jesse describes as behind the times, where the people are slow to accept change and look down on those who are different.  When Leslie, a girl his age, and her parents move from the city into the house next door, it becomes apparent that they don’t exactly fit in with the townsfolk.  In fact Leslie defies the standard not only for females in town by having short hair, wearing cutoffs and tennis shoes all the time and referring to her parents by name, but females everywhere by exemplifying bravery, and being knowledgeable and worldly.  Guided by Leslie’s big imagination, she and Jesse create the magical world of Terabithia set just beyond the creek in the wooded area behind their homes.  Further challenging gender stereotypes, upon Leslie’s death we see Jesse’s outward struggle with his emotions.

Study Guide for Bridge to Terabithia

Book Trailer for Bridge to Terabithia