Bridge to Terabithia

Written by Katherine Paterson, Bridge to Terabithia was published by HarperCollins in 1977. It won the Newbery Award in 1978 and is on the 100 Challenged Books List.

Paterson, K., & Diamond, D. (1977). Bridge to Terabithia. New York: Crowell.

Exposition:

The setting is laid in a small town during the 1970’s. The main characters are Leslie Burke and Jess Aarons with their families and other children from school as supporting characters.

Conflict:

Jess and Leslie are two lonely children that both struggle to fit in with their schoolmates and everyday life.

Rising Action:

A new girl, Leslie Burke, moves to town and they (Leslie & Jess) befriend each other. The two create a fantasy-world, Terabithia, where they spend all of their time to forget their real-world issues.

Climax:

Jess goes to Washington to tour art galleries with Miss Edmunds, the music teacher. He comes home to find out that Leslie attempted to visit Terabithia on her own and has drowned in the creek.

Falling Action:

Jess tries to deal with the loss of Leslie and sinks back into his old fears and insecurities.

Resolution:

The Burke’s decide to leave town and Jess uses wood from their porch to build a bridge to Terabithia. He makes his sister, May Belle, the new Queen of Terabithia.

Literary Qualities:

This author uses powerful similes for vivid descriptions. The mood, tone and themes of loneliness and personal experience provide opportunity for personal connections while reading.