Bridge to Terabithia
Katherine Paterson's 1977 Newbery winner remains one of the most quietly devastating children's books ever published. Jess Aarons is a sensitive ten-year-old in rural Virginia, the only boy in a household of sisters, drawing in secret because his father thinks it is unmanly. When a brash, imaginative new neighbor named Leslie Burke beats him in a footrace at school, the two become inseparable and invent a forest kingdom called Terabithia where they reign as king and queen. Then, on a rainy day Jess does not go with her, the rope swing across the creek breaks, and the book turns into something far harder, an unflinching study of grief, guilt, and the way love survives loss. Paterson based the story on her own son's friend, who died young. A foundational book for readers who later discover that fiction can break you open.
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What you might want to know about Bridge to Terabithia
The questions readers send us most often, answered without spoilers.
In rural Virginia, lonely fifth grader Jess Aarons becomes friends with new girl Leslie Burke. Together they invent a secret kingdom called Terabithia in the woods across the creek behind their houses.
Bridge to Terabithia was written by Katherine Paterson and published in 1977. It won the Newbery Medal in 1978 and remains one of the most-taught middle-grade novels in American schools.
Yes. Bridge to Terabithia has been one of the most frequently challenged books in American libraries, often cited for language, occult themes, and the death of a child character. It remains widely read and taught.
Yes. A 2007 Disney film adaptation starring Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb was released. The film adds expanded fantasy sequences not in the novel but follows the central friendship and tragedy faithfully.
Bridge to Terabithia is 152 pages in standard print editions, though page counts vary slightly between hardcover, paperback, and large-print formats.
At an average reading pace of about 250 words per minute, Bridge to Terabithia takes most readers 2 to 3 hours to finish.
Bridge to Terabithia is a standalone novel by an unknown author, not part of a series.
Bridge to Terabithia is available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats from Amazon, Bookshop.org, ThriftBooks, and most major bookstores.
