Author: Katherine Paterson
Anna Grade 10
Rating 4/5
This book is about a friendship between two 11-year-old kids named Jess and Leslie. A very sad and tragic event happens where Leslie loses his life while trying to get across to Terabithia. Terabithia is described as an imaginary world where both Jess and Leslie went together to escape and be kids living out their imaginations. The imaginary world is a safe place for the two kids to go and build on their fantasies.
I enjoyed this book because even though it was sad, the story showed how important friendship and support are. There are many outside pressures from school kids and family and it is nice to have a good supportive friend to feel safe with. The story does show grief and bereavement in kids and Leslie’s death is a very impactful moment. The book is sad, however I enjoyed reading it because it shows Jess grieving, but also describes how he starts to pull himself back together after his friends’ death.
People who might like this book would be people that enjoy stories about friendship but also people who can relate to grief and loss. Sadness and anger are well portrayed in the book and helped me to understand that these are normal feelings. There is a little bit of humor in the story as well.
I would recommend reading this book as it describes how important it is to have supportive friends and being honest with who you are. The loss is sad and impactful but also very beautiful because the characters can work through struggles, which is hopeful and relatable.