Bridge to Terabithia

A Newberry Medal winner, Bridge to Terabithia is one of my favorite books. I read it each year in my GT 5th grade reading class and I cry each time Leslie dies. Katherine Paterson does an excellent job of bringing the friendship of Jess and Leslie to life. Jess is looking forward to being the best runner in the 5tb the grade, but is out runned by the new girl in the class - Leslie Burke. Her family has moved in next to Jess's family and they soon become the best of friends. They begin to have imaginary adventures in a nearby forest. They travel to a special place and the only way to get there is to cross a creek by swinging on a rope. Their special place is called Terabithia. The story takes a turn for the worst when Leslie ventures off on her own to Terabithia, and has an accident. Her death causes much pain for Jess, but he learns to channel his emotions by continuing the Terabithia adventure with his sister. The author does a remarkable job of paining the picture of Terabithia through words.

Paterson, Katherine (1977). Bridge to Terabithia. New York: Harper Collins.