Jess Aarons has one goal for his fifth grade year – to be the fastest runner at Lark Creek Elementary. But when Leslie Burke, the new girl in school proves to be the fastest it gives Jess a new challenge. Somewhat to his surprise, Jess and Leslie become great friends and the worlds of imagination and learning that she opens for him will change him forever. Together they create Terabithia, a magical, secret kingdom where they reign supreme. There no enemy could defeat them. And there Jess will learn that the legacy Leslie brought him will enable him to cope with unexpected tragedy.

Bridge to Terabithia was read by Kathryn Blume
Kathryn has appeared Off-Broadway, in regional theater, film, and TV. She is an Artistic Associate and six-show veteran at Vermont Stage Company. Kathryn, who divides her time between New York and Vermont, spends her non-acting time working as a yoga teacher and Life Coach, and sings in the progressive world beat rock band Paranoise.

What do you think?

When Jess met Leslie she was so different, he did not like her. He felt threatened by her because she was such a fast runner. Have you ever been in a situation where you did not like someone the moment you met them and then you became great friends? Describe how you felt when you first met them? How did everything change? What brought you together?

Do you have a special place? With whom do you go there? Why is it important to you? If you don’t have a particular spot you like, try to create one. You don’t need access to a big wooded area for your kingdom– be resourceful and practical. Find a place where you can think, read, doodle and relax – even if only for a few moments each day.

Online Adventures Where should you go from here?

Read a biography of Newbery award winning author Katherine Paterson. Learn more about the amazing background of this Vermont author who says of her writing “…I know beyond any doubt that I am the most fortunate person in the world to have been given such work to do.”

Build your own kingdom! You too can be the ruler of a special place. You’ll need to start with your imagination for some simple and creative ideas on backyard fort building.

For a more permanent and adventurous project, free Tree Fort plans are available here.

From the CHR Librarian

Katherine Paterson’s new book The Same Stuff as Stars, (Clarion Books, 2002) was recently released. She has written so many wonderful stories, for a complete list of titles visit her Terabithia website.

Grace Greene from The Vermont Department of Libraries suggests you take a look at…

Bauer, Marion Dane. On My Honor. Clarion, 1986.
When his best friend drowns while they are both swimming in a treacherous river that they had promised never to go near, Joel is devastated and terrified at having to tell both sets of parents the terrible consequences of their disobedience.

Philbrick, Rodman. Freak The Mighty. Scholastic, 1993.
At the beginning of eighth grade, learning disabled Max and his new friend Freak, whose birth defect has affected his body but not his brilliant mind, find that when they combine forces they make a powerful team.

Warner, Sally. Sort of Forever. Knopf, 1998.
Twelve-year-olds Cady and Nana explore the strengths of their special friendship as they cope with Nana’s cancer.