Written by Katherine Paterson and published in 1977, the book won the Newbery Medal a year later. Paterson drew inspiration* for the novel from a real event that occurred in August 1974 when her son’s friend was struck dead by lightning.

The novel tells the story of Jess Aarons, who 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.

His juvenile* masculine pride wounded, Jess manages to swallow his hurt feelings and befriend Leslie.

While Jess’ family is not well-to-do, Leslie’s is. Jess feels a little overwhelmed in their world. Nevertheless, 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.

“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 Paterson’s other novels, including “The Great Gilly Hopkins” and “Jacob Have I Loved.”

It has been adapted for the screen twice: a 1985 PBS TV movie and a 2007 Disney/Walden Media feature film.(SD-Agencies)