Thoughts on Re-reading Bridge to Terabithia

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I first read this beautiful, well-written novel--maybe in 1978--when it won the Newbery. I was a school librarian at Bugg Elementary, in Raleigh, NC (Wake County Public Schools), and I had ordered it for the collection. I knew it was about death and drying, friendship, loss, love, outsiders, and "imagination and learning" (front cover). I knew hat a child died. It broke my heart. I wept--the first time, I think, I had cried so hard after reading any book.

I just read it again I cried. I have no doubts that there are children--and adults--who read this novel, and recognize the grief and loss as familiar because they have been there. I hope reading this novel will ease their grief, and honor it in their hearts, where it will always live.

I still cry every time I read this book.



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