I haven't sat to read a book, other than for school purposes in a while. This book draws you in and I couldn't wait to finish to see the outcome. I try to collect good books and this is one. Heard about it from the host on MSNBC Velshi show on book banning. Try to build my nieces and nephews a good library of books they are trying to ban.

Great book. Cried at the end

Great book for middle schoolers

Got this for my daughter and she loves it.

BACKGROUND: "Bridge To Terabithia," by Katherine Paterson, saw its debut publication in 1977; it was awarded the Newberry Medal for children's literature the following year. I first read this book at the age of 8; I remember being highly captivated by the characters because of how closely they related to the experiences most kids feel around that age. I will admit that, at the time, this didn't end up being on my list of `all-time-super-awesome books'--but I this was due to the fact that this was one of the first books I read dealing with realistic issues; thus, it wasn't as `entertaining' as "The Adventures of Captain Underpants." In adulthood, I've reread this novel on several occasions; each time, I gain more and more appreciation for the impact this story had on my childhood. Katherine cites a personal experience as her inspiration for the novel. On August 14, 1974, Katherine, her 8-year-old son David, and David's best friend, Lisa, were visiting a beach in Delaware when Lisa was struck by lightning; she died immediately. Paterson dedicated the book to David and Lisa. Descriptions of the settings throughout the book were likely influenced by Paterson's then-home in Takoma Park, Maryland. Most notably, Sligo Creek probably served as inspiration for the dried creek bed "which someone had long forgotten (p.58)." Further confirmed by Leslie's mentioning of "The Chronicles of Narnia (p.59)," the name of the imaginary kingdom, "Terabithia," is an homage to the Narnian island of Terebinthia which appears in both "Prince Caspian" and "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" by C.S. Lewis. [Lewis had likely derived the name "Terebinthia" from the Bible's Terebinth tree.] 2008 EDITION: (13 chapters; 191 pages) Something neat about this edition is the "Bridge to Terabithia" Reader's Guide found in the back of the book. The Reader's Guide provides 13 Discussion Questions--one to follow each chapter--that can be used as an introduction for young readers to literary analysis while also prompting a more interactive reading experience. A 9-part Q&A with author Katherine Paterson serves to finish the book. I wish these features had been available in the edition I read as a kid because, at a young age, I had only a tentative grasp on the relationships that occur between authors and their stories. I think that having a means of direct contact between young readers and real-world authors helps to not only put an author's inspiration into perspective, but also to entice appreciation for the art that is literature. SUMMARY: All summer, Jesse Aarons has coped with what he deems to be an `unfair' home-life by channeling his energy into becoming the fastest kid in the fifth grade. When the new school year rolls around, Jesse finally gets the chance to show off his speed--only to be beaten by his new neighbor, Leslie. Things just can't get any worse for Jesse; not only does he feel burdened at home by his family's farm and his annoying sisters, but now there's just one more reason for him to be bullied at school. As Jesse gets to know Leslie, he realizes that he's no longer alone in his troubles. The two develop a strong bond, leading to the creation of Terabithia--an imaginary kingdom where Jesse and Leslie can feel important and free. The subject of bullying recurs throughout the course of the book. In one situation, Jesse and Leslie reap revenge against a girl named Janice; the two eventually realize that everyone has feelings, and sometimes a bully is the one most in need of a friend. The bond between Jesse and Leslie gains ever-increasing strength as they endure such experiences, not alone, but together. When Jesse is invited to accompany Miss Edmunds for an art exhibit, Jesse gets so excited about his own opportunity that he forgets to tell his family where he's going, and, more importantly, he leaves Leslie alone in Terabithia. As Jesse returns home from his trip, he undergoes an abrupt shift back to reality; Leslie had been swinging on the old rope by the creek when it suddenly snapped, propelling her into the water and leaving her to drown. Jesse initially struggles to understand the tragedy. He has lost his counterpart and best friend, leading him into a deep self-reevaluation. He begins to see that all the little things that used to frustrate him are now insignificant; it was the time he spent with Leslie that taught him the meaning of life and what to appreciate. As time passes, Jesse and his younger sister, May Belle, discover that a tree has fallen across the old creek; in a moment of clarity, Jesse realizes that the death of the strong, glorious tree has given it another chance at life as the new bridge to Terabithia. "Bridge To Terabithia" Copyright © 1977 by Katherine Paterson ISBN: 978-0-06-073401-5 Revised paperback edition, 2008

I wanted my kids to keep busy during the start of summer vacation! I had read this awesome book in the past and we had watched the movie as a family. I wanted the kids to experience the joy of reading where they could sink in to this Magical world!

Bought it for my niece. She loved the book

This books was required for my 10 year old's 5th grade gate class. I remember reading this same book as a kid and liked it.