Bridge to Terabithia-Novel Review-TWU LS5623-20-SU2012

Paterson, Katherine. Bridge to Terabithia. Rev. ed. New York: Harper Trophy, 2003. Print. ISBN 0690046359. 163p. Jess Aarons’ dreams of being the fastest boy in his grade are shattered the first day of school when he is beaten by the new girl in town, Leslie. In quick time, however, experience bonds them into fast friends. As Jess’ neighbor Leslie uses her imagination to open Jess’ mind to an amazing land of their own creation, Terabithia. When tragedy strikes, however, Jess is left to struggle with the understanding that relationships don’t last forever, and we learn to grow, or we lose ourselves. This award winning piece of young adult literature is a staple of English courses, surviving numerous challenges over the course of its thirty-plus years in circulation. Listed as one of the ALA’s 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books complaints have been waged against the book for possible occult references, the inclusion of death in the story line, and a number of other issues (Top 100). Still, the popularity of the story as a great piece of YA literature keeps it popular. Central to the story is the growth of Jess Aarons from a somewhat shy, introverted and self-limiting young man to one who grows to trust his own imagination, creativity, courage and selflessness. Seeking only to make a name for himself through his running, with Leslie’s help and the experiences she gives him he begins to challenge what he knows and believes of others, and himself. In their magical land of Terabithia which Leslie originates and is the driving force for, Jess begins to see possibilities for himself and even begins to create the world along with her. Previously hiding his artwork, one of his true talents, he grows in his courage to share it and the value he places on it himself. Both Jess and Leslie are the crowning jewels of the book. Their frankness, their honest friendship and the challenges that they face and master together are what make this work such a model for stories of growth, development and finding faith in oneself that are such a staple of young adult literature. Please be aware that the remainder of the review contains spoilers. Do not read further if you wish to avoid pivotal information about the climax of the book. In considering possible faults for this novel the truthfulness and real-to-life nature of the children’s experiences are somewhat tarnished by the complete neglect of dealing with guilt Jess would feel at being away with his choir teacher at the time of Leslie’s death. This element of Jess’ confrontation with the loss of his friend is essentially glossed over and, especially for modern readers, an expression of that guilt seems necessary. While we see Jess grow after losing Leslie, as embodied by his bringing of his little sister into Terabithia, we see little to no crisis or self-doubt related to Jess being with the woman he has a crush on at the moment Leslie needs him most. We see the reality of teenage emotions related to the feeling of closeness to and “owning” a friend more so even than her family in this passage: “That meant Leslie was gone. Turned to ashes…How could they dare? Leslie belonged to him. More to him than anyone in the world. No one had even asked him. No one had even told him” (pg. 145)” The realness of this passage as a common young adult response to a loss like this is so honest. Yet I felt myself constantly searching for the struggle of guilt that would naturally come with the scenario of Leslie’s death that Paterson portrays in the novel. Overall however the popularity of the book shows the extent to which young adult readers find commonality between themselves and the young protagonists of the book. Growth, a true friendship, memorable times and new beginnings keep this book in print and in the hands of readers year after year. Paterson, Katherine. Bridge to Terabithia. Rev. ed. New York: Harper Trophy, 2003. Print. "Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books: 2000-2009." American Library Association. American Library Association, 2012. Web. 20 June 2012. .