Bridge to Terabithia: A Harper Classic — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
A new hardcover edition of Katherine Paterson’s Newbery-winning favorite, Bridge to Terabithia. One of the stunning new Harper Classics editions of literary treasures.
This Newbery Medal-winning novel by bestselling author Katherine Paterson has been a modern classic about friendship and loss for forty years.
Jess Aarons has been practicing all summer so he can be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. And he almost is, until the new girl in school, Leslie Burke, outpaces him. The two become fast friends and spend most days in the woods behind Leslie’s house, where they invent an enchanted land called Terabithia.
One morning, Leslie goes to Terabithia without Jess and a tragedy occurs. It will take the love of his family and the strength that Leslie has given him for Jess to be able to deal with his grief.
In addition to being a Newbery Medal winner, Bridge to Terabithia was also named an ALA Notable Children's Book and has become a touchstone of children's literature, as have many of Katherine Paterson's other novels, including The Great Gilly Hopkins and Jacob Have I Loved.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bridge to Terabithia: A Harper Classic appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The story includes a tragic accident resulting in the death of a main character, which is a significant and impactful event in the narrative. This theme of loss is central to the story. The book does not contain genuinely frightening content. While it deals with themes of grief and loss, it is presented in a sensitive manner appropriate for its audience.
Does Bridge to Terabithia: A Harper Classic have violence?
The story includes a tragic accident resulting in the death of a main character, which is a significant and impactful event in the narrative. This theme of loss is central to the story.
Does Bridge to Terabithia: A Harper Classic have scary content?
The book does not contain genuinely frightening content. While it deals with themes of grief and loss, it is presented in a sensitive manner appropriate for its audience.
Does Bridge to Terabithia: A Harper Classic have religious themes?
The book presents faith in a positive light, suggesting fulfillment outside strict religious dogma. However, it has faced criticism for being perceived as sacrilegious or promoting new age beliefs.
Does Bridge to Terabithia: A Harper Classic have racial/cultural content?
Race is not a central theme or plot point in the book. The story focuses on friendship and personal growth rather than racial issues.
Does Bridge to Terabithia: A Harper Classic have profanity?
The book includes mild profanity and religious exclamations that have led to challenges and bans in some areas, but it is not pervasive or central to the story.
Does Bridge to Terabithia: A Harper Classic have climate change?
There are no climate themes or environmental messages present in the book. The narrative is focused on personal and emotional themes rather than environmental issues.
Does Bridge to Terabithia: A Harper Classic have sexual identity?
There are no sexual themes or content in the book. The narrative focuses on childhood friendship and the emotional experiences of the characters.
Does Bridge to Terabithia: A Harper Classic have gender roles?
The book explores gender roles through the characters of Jesse and Leslie, with Leslie challenging traditional femininity and embracing exploration and creativity. This theme is woven into their friendship and character development.
Does Bridge to Terabithia: A Harper Classic have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes are explicitly present in the book. The narrative focuses on the friendship between Jesse and Leslie, two children who create an imaginary kingdom, but does not address LGBTQ+ identities or themes.
