Redesign: Bridge to Terabithia

Bridge to Terabithia is a novel by Katherine Patterson and was first published in 1977. In 2007 it was adapted into a Disney film. The story is set in a magical forest created by two children, Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke. It is Leslie who makes Terabithia so that he can escape his dysfunctional family and reality. Both face challenges at home and at school and support one another. Leslie is bullied for her individuality and her parents rarely have time to spend with her due to heavy work commitments. Jess feels under scrutiny and is put under pressure to abandon his love of art and instead watch sport. They find happiness in each other’s company and in a magical place they name Terabithia. It is through their close companionship and imaginary world that they are able to express themselves and do what they want to do. Imagining that they are royalty, fighting off giants and mystical creatures. The author includes themes which are important to young readers; friendship, childhood and being an individual. Alongside darker themes such as witchcraft, atheism and death. In the end Jess is bereft when Leslie drowns in the creak whilst she is on her journey to Terabithia.