by Lori Savery-Hinze

Created on: February 22, 2010

Bridge to Terabithia, published in 1977, received eight awards, including the Newberry Medal in 1978. Author Katherine Paterson said she worked for a year as a teacher in Lovettsville, Virginia, where most of the children grew up in circumstances like Terabithia’s main character Jesse Aarons. The book has become a favorite among both children and adults for Paterson’s touching characterization. Bridge to Terabithia tells how a boy transforms the everyday work and difficulties of life on a farm into something more bearable through his imagination and dreams shared with a new friend.

Bridge to Terabithia begins with fifth grader Jesse’s daily routine of sneaking out in the early morning to practice running. He dreams of being the fastest kid in school. Maybe this would make his dad proud enough to spend some time with him. As the middle child and only boy in his family with four sisters, Jesse does the lion’s share of the farm chores, yet receives least amount of praise and affection from his exhausted, hard-working parents.

In addition to running, Jesse’s other escape is drawing. He dreams of being an artist, but he hides this passion. Teachers in his school say drawing is a waste of time and paper. Only the music teacher, Miss Edmunds, encourages his talent, and he treasures every bit of praise he receives from her.

When a family moves into the farm next to his, Jesse is not sure what to think of new girl Leslie Burke. She has short hair and wears cut off jeans like a boy. Her intellectual parents don’t have a television. According to Leslie, her parents wanted to leave their privileged life in Arlington “to think about what’s important.” On the first day of school, Leslie beats all the boys in race, making her the fastest runner. Now that Jesse can’t be the fastest kid in school, running loses it’s fun for him. Gradually, Jesse sees how hard it is for Leslie to fit in, and the two become friends.

In the woods near their farms, Jesse and Leslie create an imaginary, magical kingdom called Terabithia. The two dream up fantasy scenarios occurring to bullies and stern teachers. Jesse shares his funny drawings and cartoons with Leslie, while Leslie makes up stories about giants that threaten Terabithia.

After a bully named Janice Avery steals a Twinkie from Jesse’s younger sister May Belle, Jesse and Leslie devise a prank to embarrass Janice. They write a love letter and sign it in the

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