Bridge to Terabithia

Paterson, K. (1977). Bridge to Terabithia. New York, NY: Harper Trophy.

The benefits of friendship is the theme of this novel. Although it was written almost 40 years ago, it's message is still important today. Jess feels unappreciated maybe even unwanted at home. Being the only boy in a house full of girls, it is easy to see how he can feel and even get overlooked. He meets a new friend in Leslie Burke, the new girl at school. They become best friends and create a world for themselves and name it Terabithia. Leslie is pretty much everything Jess is not: rich, a girl, and confident. But as their friendship grows, Leslie encourages growth and confidence in Jess particularly when it comes to his talent in art. Both characters rub off on each other and help those around them like Jess's little sister and the school bully. Unfortunately, Leslie dies in an accident ironically as a result of her fearlessness. Jess comes to term with the loss and finds a new purpose for their "magic" kingdom. He "offers" it to his sister so that she can enjoy it like he and Leslie did.

This is a timeless novel perfect for elementary students age 9-11. Teachers could use it for a read aloud or novel study. The novel has evidence of various types of character conflicts: man vs man, man vs self, even man vs society.  I really like the character Jess.  He is a sensitive young boy that is going through some serious issues but he doesn't act out. This novel shows that you don't have to follow the path that others say you should just because you are a boy or a girl. Just be true to yourself.