January 26 feature: Bridge to Terabithia

Another recent Newbury award winner, the title of Bridge to Terabithia drew me in. From the title, I figured it would be a story like the Wizard of Oz, a journey to a magical fantasy land. But Katherine Paterson's book is nothing like that. The main characters meet up the summer before fifth grade begins. Jess Aarons, practicing to be the fastest runner in school the previous summer, is also a sensitive boy who harbors a secret love of art and drawing. New girl Leslie Burke is bold, imaginative--and fast. After Leslie consistently defeats the fifth grade boys in sprints at recess, the two become best friends. Leslie convinces Jess to create a secret kingdom in the woods that they call Terabithia. I was particularly touched by how Paterson paints Jess and his family life. The book's climax is tragic and while I loved Paterson's writing style, I wouldn't recommend this book to younger readers. At the least, read it first to prepare yourself for some hard questions that younger readers may have.