Jess Aarons' greatest ambition is to be the fastest runner in his grade. He's been practicing all summer and can't wait to see his classmates' faces when he beats them all. But on the first day of school, a new girl boldly crosses over to the boys' side and outruns everyone.

That's not a very promising beginning for a friendship, but Jess and Leslie Burke become inseparable. Together they create Terabithia, a magical kingdom in the woods where the two of them reign as king and queen, and their imaginations set the only limits. Then one morning a terrible tragedy occurs. Only when Jess is able to come to grips with this tragedy does he finally understand the strength and courage Leslie has given him.

Amazon.com Review
The story starts out simply enough: Jess Aarons wants to be the fastest boy in the fifth grade--he wants it so bad he can taste it. He's been practicing all summer, running in the fields around his farmhouse until he collapses in a sweat. Then a tomboy named Leslie Burke moves into the farmhouse next door and changes his life forever. Not only does Leslie not look or act like any girls Jess knows, but she also turns out to be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. After getting over the shock and humiliation of being beaten by a girl, Jess begins to think Leslie might be okay.

Despite their superficial differences, it's clear that Jess and Leslie are soul mates. The two create a secret kingdom in the woods named Terabithia, where the only way to get into the castle is by swinging out over a gully on an enchanted rope. Here they reign as king and queen, fighting off imaginary giants and the walking dead, sharing stories and dreams, and plotting against the schoolmates who tease them. Jess and Leslie find solace in the sanctuary of Terabithia until a tragedy strikes and the two are separated forever. In a style that is both plain and powerful, Katherine Paterson's characters will stir your heart and put a lump in your throat.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 805 reviews)

4.5 stars - Not what I expected but a pleasant surprise

I always like to read a book before I see it's movie version. I picked this on up b/c I am a big fan of fantasy and I am growing to like young adult fiction as I pick good books to read to my kids. This is not what I expected from the movie preview, but it was well worth reading.

Jess Aaron does not fit into his rural northern Virginian life. He loves to draw, daydreams, and is baffled by his dysfunctional, down and out family. Then Leslie Burke and her "hippy" parents move into the abandoned farm next door. Leslie, who wears pants to school, has hair cut short "like a boy", and can run faster than anyone he's known introduces Jess to the imaginary kingdom of Terabithia where they rule as King and Queen and right wrongs even as they struggle through fifth grade.

Ms. Paterson has woven together a moving story of childhood just on the brink of adulthood that is poignant and familiar. I saw myself and my own childhood in the South reflected in Jess and Leslie, but this book transcends the regional. Its themes of love and friendship in midst of life's struggles and big questions is universal. Even though it was not what I expected this will stay on our shelf to be reread and for the kids to read
December 05, 2008

The Magic of Friendship

I have read this countless times since the 4th grade, and it still continues to be one of my favorite books ever. The odd thing is that I remember being severely disappointed to learn this was not a fantasy.

But the real story is stronger, that of a deep friendship that affects a young boy for good and bad.

There are so many levels to this book, and thus it becomes clear why these two kids would create a fantasy world for escaping the challenges of the real world. Ironically, it is the time they spend here that allows them to deal with truth and tragedy.

A celebration of friendship, life, and the human spirit, this is probably one of the greatest kids' books out there.

The movie did not do it justice.
September 27, 2008

my stepson said he hated this!

My 14-year old son said it's not very goof "fantasy", and he'd give it a half a star. He thought it was just depressing about a boy with many problems.
August 22, 2008

Bridge to Terabithia

I have recently read the beautiful novel Bridge to Terabithia. What an amazing children's book. I highly recommend this book for the young adult reader. The two main characters Jess and Leslie form a close friendship with the usual ups and downs of school children. Both children come from different backgrounds but are drawn together. This friendship strenghtens into a beautiful relationship and a closeness between to children you don't often read about these days. Tragedy strikes and young Jess experiences one of the most painful aspects of life and begins his journey into growing up. The subject covered in the story may be heavy for some children so it would be a nice book to read together. Be prepared for tears and have a box of tissues handy. It's a great book for families to discuss some sensitive issues in life.
July 18, 2008

WHY WOULD YOU ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO READ THIS??

My daughter got this for her birthday. I hated this book!! The story is fine. Maybe kids might get something deep from this but I doubt it. From the first page, the characters are all dark and ugly to each other. There is no respect shown for any authority figure in the book from parents to teachers. There is no love or respect between any siblings. There are plenty of cuss words throughout the book. There are illusions to a child/teacher inappropriate relationship. There is a whole discussion about God d---- people to h---. The words in this book can't be typed in this review, so why would you allow your child to read them?? The death of the child holds no meaning, because I didn't feel anything for any of the characters and there's no great lesson in the death either. There are lots of references to killing people "by the childen"! Such things like "I'd like to kill him/her" said repeatedly, like it's ok to say that. The parents are portrayed as insignificant and stupid. There are illusions that the boy may turn out gay because he draws. There are lots of mean remarks about fat people. I have no idea how this book got an award and why it has 800 star reviews. I only know I am sick that my daughter got this book as a gift and read it before I checked it out. There is nothing edifying in this book whatsoever and I'm probably on damage control for the next 6 months with my child.
July 14, 2008

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