All summer, Jess pushed himself to be the fastest boy in the fifth grade, and when the year’s first school-yard race was run, he was going to win.But his victory was stolen by a newcomer, by a girl, one who didn’t even know enough to stay on the girls’ side of the playground. Then, unexpectedly, Jess finds himself sticking up for Leslie, for the girl who breaks rules and wins races. The friendship between the two grows as Jess guides the city girl through the pitfalls of life in their small, rural town, and Leslie draws him into the world of imaginations world of magic and ceremony called Terabithia. Here, Leslie and Jess rule supreme among the oaks and evergreens, safe from the bullies and ridicule of the mundane world. Safe until an unforeseen tragedy forces Jess to reign in Terabithia alone, and both worlds are forever changed.
In this poignant, beautifully rendered novel, Katherine Paterson weaves a powerful story of friendship and courage.
What I Liked: Everything. This book was read to my fifth grade class. Everyday, the teacher would read a chapter out loud to us. Only if we behaved. I remember a few times we didn’t behave and the teacher didn’t read. I was so bummed. I wanted to know what happened! Some of my favorite parts was when Leslie and Jess got revenge on Janice when she stole Maybelle’s Twinkies. Or when Jess sprayed milk at Leslie. This is the first book I remember I had to have. My sister gave it to me for my birthday. My copy is now all torn, battered and dog eared.
What I Disliked: The end. I think all the girls in my class were sniffling. But I can’t imagine the book having a different ending. Also, Brenda and Ellie bugged me. They were the two annoying older sisters. They enjoyed torturing Jess and his “girl friend” Leslie. They were just superficial brats.
Did the movie measure up: When I saw commercials for the movie, I was all, “They better not RUIN this!!!” Hollywood has a habit of doing that and the commercials were misleading. I thought they were making another Narnia. However, the movie was good. It stuck to the book. A few changes were made here and there. Nothing major though. I still got all teary eyed at the end of the movie.
Would I recommend the book: Yes I would. I love this book. It’s one of my favorite childhood books. It’s also a very fast read. I finished it in under an hour. The story just gets a hold of you.
Grade: 5/5