Bridge to Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson

Haha! What a fun, funny book! 

I’m kidding. Unlike a lot of books in these reviews, I actually knew about the story and the ending before picking up this YA classic. The book (and especially the movie) have become the keys to the Trauma Kingdom for many young people. The movie was marketed as The Lord of the Rings meets Harry Potter meets a happy good time for everyone in a field of joy! But the actual story is NOT that. 

The story is about two kids who dream up an imaginative land to escape from reality. If you haven’t read it, I won’t spoil it here, but you can probably guess that not everything works out for the characters. It feels dated, but in a charming way, like listening to Owl City. And then “the moment” happens and it’s shocking but it’s why the book has remained an infamous classic. 

It teaches kids the important lessons: 

• Never leave the house
• Don’t bother making friends

I read the whole thing in one sitting, which is something I never do. So I clearly liked the story. Granted, the book is short, so it’s a lot like saying, “I ate a whole sandwich in one sitting.” But I’m still proud of myself…just as I’m proud of myself for eating every sandwich.

I’m raising money for Reading is Fundamental. Click here to donate!