Bridge to Terabithia

1977 (published) ; Katherine Paterson

Bridge to Terabithia is a work of literature about two lonely children who create a magical forest kingdom. It was written by Katherine Paterson and was published in 1977 by Thomas Crowell. In 1978 it won the Newbery Medal. Paterson drew inspiration for the novel from a real event occurring in August 1974 when a friend of her son was struck by lightning.

The novel tells the story of fifth grader Jesse Aarons, who becomes friends with his new neighbor Leslie Burke after he loses a footrace to her at school. She is a smart, talented, outgoing tomboy from a wealthy family, and Jess thinks highly of her. He is an artistic boy from a poorer family who, in the beginning, is fearful, angry, and depressed. After meeting Leslie, his life is transformed. He becomes courageous and learns to let go of his frustration. They create a kingdom for themselves, which Leslie names “Terabithia.”

Its content has been the frequent target of censors and appears at No. 8 on the American Library Association list of the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books for the decade 1990-2000. It is studied in English studies classes in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

It has been adapted for the screen twice: a 1985 PBS TV movie and a 2007 Disney/Walden Media feature film.