Bridge to Terabithia, Katherine Paterson

Bridge to Terabithia presents the strength and encouragement that can be drawn from friendship. Two young classmates, Jess and Leslie, form a surprising friendship that is solidified by their invention of Terabithia, an imaginary kingdom beyond a nearby creek. A tragic event forces Jess to confront loss and pain, but eventually he manages to build a bridge back to Terabithia and to open up this imaginary world to another person.

Related Readings

"The Dream Keeper" and "Dream Dust"—poems by Langston Hughes

"Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp"—excerpt from Arabian Nights

"Playing God"—short story by Ouida Sebestyen

"The Bridge Builder"—poem by Will Allen Dromgoole

from Part of Me Died, Too—essay by Virginia Lynn Fry

Study Guide (PDF)