This story deals with the theme of friendship. As two young people from a small farm town get to know one another each realizes that the other is the only one who truly appreciates their talents and personalities. Jess Aarons loves to run and draw, which he does not share with many because he fears that his talent will not be appreciated. Leslie Burks is the new girl in town who acts more like a boy than most girls; she runs with the boys at recess and always wins. As these two grow closer to one another they decide that they need a place to escape. They find a perfect spot across the river and name it Terabithia. They each take on roles as King and Queen and do things as if they have to protect their magic world such as fight giant beasts. One rainy day when Jess goes to Washington, DC with his music teacher that he likes because she is the only person besides Leslie to enjoy his drawing abilities he feels as if everything is perfect. He wonders if it would be more perfect if he had asked Leslie to join. On his return he learns that Leslie has died. The rope swing broke as she was crossing the river to get to Terabithia. Jess burdens his self with thoughts that he was the cause of this because he could have asked her to go along with he and the music teacher. Finally Jess realizes that Leslie taught him to have courage and how to have a friend who appreciates him. One day Jess and his little sister, May Bell go to Terabithia; he gives her Leslie’s power as queen. Together they build a bridge across the river to Terabithia.
I would use this book in a classroom to explore friendship. I would have students compare Jess and Leslie’s friendship to their own friend relationships. I would also use this book to explore loss of people that are important in lives. This would be a good book to explore loss because Jess was able to identify benefits of having Leslie in his life even though she is gone now. This is a good way to grieve in a more positive way.
