Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Paterson, K., Diamond, D., & Hill, A. (1977). Bridge to Terabithia. New York, NY: T.Y. Crowell.
Jess, a fifth grader, wants to be the fastest kid. He longs for attention from his exhausted parents, and has to battle the daily struggles of home and school life. Everything changes when he meets his new neighbor, Leslie Burke, a girl from an affluent family, who is polar opposite of Jess's lifestyle. Their strong bond is evident when it’s revealed that Jess is an outstanding artist. He’s embarrassed of his artwork, which in the eyes of many, including his father, is not considered masculine. The music teacher, Miss Edmonds, and Leslie encourage him to keep drawing. Because Leslie's parents are constantly working, it's hard to find time to notice her. Therefore, Jess and Leslie decide to make a wooded area, on the other side of a creek, into a magical land where they can be whatever they dream of. They use a rope swing as their only means of getting to Terabithia. Unfortunately, Jess learns the swing snapped and Leslie drowned. Jess has to learn how to deal with her untimely death. Jess wanted to honor Leslie's legacy, therefore, painstakingly built a bridge to Terabithia. When finished, he invites his sisters to join him in Terabithia, so the magic never ends. This endearing book will pull on the heart strings of any reader. The text is filled with many literature elements including symbolism and irony. Miss Edmonds is a symbol of inner beauty and confidence, which does not seem to be of existence in Jess's world. However, she helps him start to believe in himself. The theme of friendship, between Leslie and Jess, is represented throughout the book as Leslie and Jess lean on each other and their dedication to each other. The magical rope swing also symbolizes the beginning of their journey to their magical world, however, when it breaks, and Leslie drowns, it symbolizes the end of their make-believe world. Irony is portrayed when it’s revealed Jess is afraid of water, and Leslie is the character that drowns. This book would make an emotional connection to anyone who has lost a loved one.