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Bridge to Terabithia

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1977

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Book Brief

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Katherine Paterson

Bridge to Terabithia

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1977
Book Details
Pages

144

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Virginia • 1970s

Publication Year

1977

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

Lexile Level

810L

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Super Short Summary

Bridge to Terabithia, set in a rural Virginian town in the 1970s, follows 10-year-old Jess Aarons, who forms a transformative friendship with his new neighbor, Leslie Burke. Together, they create an imaginative kingdom called Terabithia. The novel explores themes of friendship, creativity, and coping with grief and family dynamics. The story contains themes of death and grief.

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Contemplative

Inspirational

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.4

570,075 ratings

74%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson is widely praised for its deeply emotional narrative, exceptional character development, and the thought-provoking exploration of friendship, imagination, and loss. Some readers find its themes too mature for younger audiences and note the heavy emotional impact. Overall, it is celebrated as a moving and memorable story.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Bridge to Terabithia?

Readers who cherish heartwarming, emotionally rich stories and themes of friendship and loss will enjoy Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. Fans of Charlotte's Web and Anne of Green Gables will find its exploration of imagination and childhood compelling.

4.4

570,075 ratings

74%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Jess Aarons

A gangly fifth grader and the middle child in his family, Jess is determined to prove himself, often feeling overlooked but dedicated to his artistic passions and running skills.

An only child and new in town, Leslie is confident, imaginative, and forms a pivotal friendship with Jess, sharing adventures and challenges in their made-up kingdom.

Jess’s seven-year-old sister, who admires him deeply and often seeks his attention, displaying innocence and loyalty throughout their sibling interactions.

The music teacher at Jess's school who encourages his artistic talent, stands out with her modern approach, and treats Jess with kindness and respect.

Jess's father, a hardworking man who grapples with job insecurity and provides tough but ultimately supportive guidance to Jess.

Jess's mother, a weary woman managing a large family on a limited budget, who often directs her frustrations at Jess but shows moments of warmth.

Leslie’s well-off, educated parents who embrace a simple life, support Leslie's creativity, and offer positive encouragement for Jess.

Jess and Leslie's fifth-grade teacher, initially perceived as stern but later reveals her supportive nature, especially during challenging times.

Jess’s older sisters, seen mostly as a unit, who frequently manipulate situations to their advantage and tease Jess about his interests and friendships.

The youngest Aarons sibling, a four-year-old who easily garners sympathy from her mother and occasionally causes minor irritations for her older siblings.

Book Details
Pages

144

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Virginia • 1970s

Publication Year

1977

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

Lexile Level

810L

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