Challenged Books- Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

 

 

A book cover of a bridge to terabithia AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Paterson, K. (1977). Bridge to Terabithia (I. P. Comport, Illus.). Thomas Y. Crowell.

The genre for this book can be classified as realistic fiction, coming of age and tragedy, this book can be typically recommended for ages 9 to 12.

Thoughts- This book has a simple writing style, yet Katherine Paterson is able to make it deeply emotional. It's easy for readers to feel the emotions Jess and Leslie experience, such as their joys and heartbreaks. Paterson's writing is also descriptive and vivid, especially when portraying the imaginary world of Terabithia. The story is very relatable, as the author captures ordinary, everyday moments and the thoughts and feelings of children in a way that fosters a deep connection with the characters. She also does an excellent job of incorporating difficult topics like identity, death, and grief.

This book reminded me of how powerful imagination can be. It took me back to when my siblings and I created imaginary worlds in our games as children. Sometimes, these worlds give kids a way to escape sadness or challenges they're facing in real life. The story also stirred up many emotions related to personal loss. Paterson’s ability to evoke those feelings is part of what makes this book a timeless classic.

 

 

Critique- Bridge to Terabithia is a realistic fiction story about friendship, imagination, and loss. The plot centers on Jess Aarons, a lonely boy who forms a deep friendship with Leslie Burke, which ultimately ends in heartbreaking loss. While the plot is simple, it is emotionally powerful. There is a strong contrast between the rural Virginia setting and the magical forest of Terabithia, which highlights the characters’ need for escape and creativity. The author skillfully and respectfully explores themes of courage, identity, and grief throughout the story.

Discussion Questions –

How does the imaginary world of Terabithia help Jess and Leslie cope with the challenges they face in real life?
Have you ever used imagination or creativity to deal with a difficult situation?

How does Leslie impact Jess emotional growth throughout the novel?

Lesson Activity: Build Your Own Terabithia – Imagination and Reflection

Students will design their own imaginary world like how Jess and Leslie created Terabithia.

Lesson Objective:
Students will use creativity and personal reflection to deepen their understanding of the role imagination plays in the novel and in real life.

https://www.litcharts.com/lit/bridge-to-terabithia

https://www.commonlit.org/blog/bridge-the-gap-in-reading-comprehension-with-lesson-plans-for-katherine-patersons-bridge-to-terabithia/

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