My 8 year old son and I just finished this book. Although I loved the book, I wish that I had waited another year or so to read it to my son. For one thing, it is not good for Santa believers due to some scenes that take place at Christmas. Also, it is very sad at the end-- we both cried. My son had trouble accepting the ending, he kept thinking that somehow a "happy ending" that would change the outcome would still happen right until the last page. He was was angry that didn't happen. That said, we both really enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book. We loved the main characters' friendship and their lovely kingdom of Terabithia. I am glad we read it.
Bridge to Terabithia
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Is it age appropriate?
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Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Honest, moving story of friendship and loss.
Themes in this book include: friendship, growing up, loss
updated 01.26.10
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 9 and Up
The good stuff
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Role models:
What to watch out for
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What Parents Need to Know
This review of Bridge to Terabithia was written by Amy Finley
Parents need to know that this Newbery winner with positive and imaginative tween characters is a real tear-jerker at the end when a main character dies.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about so much in this book, from friendship to imagination to loss.
- How does Terabithia strengthen Jesse and Leslie's friendship?
- In what ways is their fantasy world similar to their everyday world?
- Have you ever constructed a fantasy world?
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More on Bridge to Terabithia
Book Summary
Is It Any Good?
Among countless books about friendship and loss, BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA stands out for the tender care the author lavishes on her main characters, and for the honest portrayal of a child's grief and a child's capacity for creating beauty from tragedy. Jesse's life can be a struggle -- especially with four sisters and a need to hide his passion for drawing. But author Katherine Paterson gives voice to his fears and hopes without imposing judgment or commentary.
Readers will find much common ground with the protagonists. Jesse, though often annoyed by his sisters, tries to be kind, and sympathizes with his overworked mother. Leslie, the only child of wealthy, intellectual parents who sometimes forgets she's a child, knows what it's like to be an outsider. Though the last part of the book deals with death and its aftermath, this is ultimately a richly uplifting story of a boy and a girl who become friends despite their differences.
Publisher’s Details
Publisher: HarperTrophy, Publication date: 1/1/1977
Number of pages: 176, Price: $6.99 (paperback)
Read Aloud: 9, Read Alone: 9
Number of pages: 176, Price: $6.99 (paperback)
Read Aloud: 9, Read Alone: 9
Our Members Say
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Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
Sad but beautiful story for older kids and tweens
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I rate this title iffy for age 6 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
Some language
There is bad language such as: "bi---ed","d--n you to h--l" and more.
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I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
For older than 4th graders
I love it! Great book! Not recommended for younger than 4th graders. Uses a little bad language, not too bad though.
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I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
I love this book i read this last year as my report but there were few bad language's but i think a 4th grade can read it but careful not to use it. I got after school detention at middle for saying a bad word.. so it fun also :)
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I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
i love the book
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Ratings at a Glance
| 50% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 50% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
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