Ages 10–121-min guideFriendshipLoss
Bridge to Terabithia
by Katherine Paterson
Read togetherA main character dies suddenly. Read it together and leave room to talk.
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What it’s about
Jess and Leslie become best friends and invent Terabithia, a magic land across the creek. Then something terrible happens.
The ending
What might come up
Death and lossA lotA child dies suddenly, and the grief is shown honestly.
Big feelingsA lotGuilt, anger and grief.
Unkind behaviorSomeBullying at school and a harsh teacher.
LanguageA littleSome swearing, including 'damn', 'hell' and 'bitch'.
ViolenceA littleIn his grief, Jess hits his little sister. A bully says her father beats her.
RomanceA littleJess has a crush on his music teacher, Miss Edmunds.
Why kids like it
A friendship that feels real, and an imaginary world kids love.
Free printable quiz
- 1What do Jess and Leslie call their kingdom?
- 2How do they get there?
- 3What race does Leslie win at school?
- 4Who does Jess bring to Terabithia at the end?
Read it, then watch it
Read the book first, then watch it together and talk about what changed.
