Title: Bridge to Terabithia
Author: Katherine Paterson
Genre: Realistic fiction
# of pages: 208
Reading Level: 810L, 11-13 years
Summary: Bridge to Terabithia is a classic novel that explores imagination, loss, and poetic faith. Jess has always felt alone growing up, vying for his father’s attention. His siblings took up much of his parents’ time and his artistry was not recognized as a talent. His only solace and support comes from his music teacher Mrs. Edmunds. That is until Leslie moves next door. Jess and Leslie develop their kingdom, Terabithia, where they embark on quests and build their kingdom each day. Despite ridicule from those around them for their childlike wonder, Jess and Leslie’s friendship develops almost as quickly as their kingdom. Unfortunately, Jess’ life changes one fateful rainy day forcing him to see the world from a perspective he never knew he could. Because It was up to him to pay back to the world in beauty and caring what Leslie had loaned him in vision and strength” (Paterson, 2017). This novel will implore young readers to see the world for what it could be rather than what it is.
Genre: This novel falls under the realistic fiction category as the story is not based on real people, but is realistic in that it could happen.
Reading the Novel: I would have this novel in a class library and would love to find a way to use it as a class read. The story is heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once and I think students would really enjoy it.
Teaching the Novel: This novel could be used to discuss poetic faith and what it means to possess it. You could ask the students to use details from the text to draw one of the scenes whether it is Jess’ barn or Terabithia. This could show poetic faith in that th
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