Reviews

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

kathydavie's review against another edition

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5.0

This was excellent. So good, that I want this for my own library, even though it is aimed at middle-grade readers in the eight-to-ten-year-old range.

It's two unexpected friends who bond through proximity and courage. A young artist denied his dreams with an outgoing, confident young lady whose family wants to give up the lures of the city for that of the bucolic countryside.

It's their friendship, and Jess' need to support his friend, to deny his fears, that leads to their "clubhouse" in Terabithia, and the subsequent accident that will leave you in tears.

Be warned, there is a very sad death in this, and yet I must recommend Paterson for her insight into the children (and those around them — that family of Jess'…hoo, boy).

Paterson writes beautifully and simply without talking down to her audience. I can certainly understand why she won those awards!

homestylereads's review against another edition

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emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

bubblegumcreams's review against another edition

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4.0

I absolutely loved this book in elementary... Middle...? school. I remembered it felt so enchanting and special to have a safe place to run away and play with a friend. I liked reading about such a close friendship between a young boy and girl.But was also kind of traumatized by the ending for the age I was reading this book at. I remember sobbing my eyes out.

littlefoot10's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book has been on my list to read for what feels like forever. 

I've been the movie, I know what heartbreak lies within the pages. What I didn't realize is how short this novel actually is. I read it in one sitting. I actually read two books today because this book was so short. 

While the writing of the children who were annoying and maybe English wasn't their greatest strengths was annoying, this book still struck a cord. 

Leslie is what makes this book. Terabithia is magical and because of Leslie you believe anything is possible. The grief that Jess feels is real. I was crying like a baby during the last bit of the book. 

Definitely worth a read for readers of all ages. 

brookey8888's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Literally knew nothing about this and have never seen the movie. This was actually very sweet and kind of depressing. I think this is a good story for children because there’s so many lessons and events that happen in children’s lives. I could live without the fat phobia though. I’m glad I read this! 

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nicolelarimore's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I so wish I had read this book a child. Having seen the movie, I can appreciate the adaptation, but it was a bit misleading. I went into reading the book thinking the "magic" would be real, but in a way, I'm glad it wasn't. The story was equally wholesome and heartbreaking, and I'm still recovering from it.

sassenachrandall's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny relaxing sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

amycam's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

ggreeley's review against another edition

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5.0

This book lends itself to great conversations about unlikely friendships and dealing with difficult emotions. I love this book. A tear-jerker for sure!

sandra_m52's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced

4.25