Puente hasta Terabithia
What’s inside...
Puente hasta Terabithia, known in English as 'Bridge to Terabithia,' is a novel by Katherine Paterson that tells the story of two fifth-graders, Jesse Aarons and Leslie Burke. Jesse, an artistic boy from a financially struggling family, trains all summer to become the fastest runner in school. His dreams are dashed when the new girl, Leslie, beats him in a race. Despite this rocky start, they become close friends. Leslie introduces Jesse to the world of imagination, and together they create the magical kingdom of Terabithia in the woods, where they reign as king and queen. This secret sanctuary becomes a place of refuge for them, where they can escape the challenges of their everyday lives and let their creativity and friendship flourish. Tragically, Leslie dies in an accident while visiting Terabithia alone, leaving Jesse devastated. Through his grief, he learns to draw strength from the love and courage Leslie gave him, eventually coming to terms with her death. He honors her memory by rebuilding the bridge to Terabithia and inviting his younger sister, May Belle, to share in the magic of their created world, passing on the legacy of friendship and imagination.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-14
Length
122 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Jess and Leslie's friendship so special?
How do you think Jess felt when he created the kingdom of Terabithia and why?
Leslie taught Jess to be more open-minded and brave. Can you think of a friend who has helped you grow in some way?
Why do you think it's important to have an imagination like Leslie?
How do you cope with loss or sadness, similar to how Jess dealt with his feelings in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, relating it to their personal experiences of friendship and loss.
Discuss the significance of imagination and creativity, and ask your child how they use their imagination in daily life.
Use the book’s themes to talk about real-life issues such as bullying and acceptance, prompting your child to share their thoughts and how they might handle similar situations.
Highlight the transformation of Jess throughout the book, encouraging your child to think about how they have grown or want to grow in character.
Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable expressing both positive and negative emotions tied to the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: In 'Puente hasta Terabithia,' the bond between the characters Jess and Leslie is central, showcasing how true friendship can provide support, strength, and joy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by nurturing their friendships, learning to be supportive, and valuing the companions in their lives.
Example Lesson: The importance of imagination and creativity
Explanation: Leslie's imaginative world of Terabithia serves as a sanctuary for both characters, highlighting the importance of creativity as a coping mechanism and source of joy.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in creative activities and use their imagination as a tool for problem-solving and expressing their emotions.
Example Lesson: Coping with grief and loss
Explanation: The story deals profoundly with grief after the sudden loss of Leslie. Jess's journey through his grief illustrates healthy emotional expression and coping mechanisms.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that it’s normal to feel sad or confused when losing someone or something important, and that it's healthy to express and talk about these emotions.
Example Lesson: Overcoming fears
Explanation: Jess overcomes his initial fears of acceptance and failure through his experiences in Terabithia, learning that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
Real-World Application: Teach children the value of facing their fears, whether it’s trying out for a team, standing up for what’s right, or dealing with a new situation.