When David grew up, he adapted his mother’s story - his story and the story of his childhood best friend - turning it from a book in literature studies class to one of the highest grossing movies of 2007, a year that included Spider Man 3, Transformers, and The Simpson Movie.

What can we learn after we have suffered a great irreparable loss? How can we go on? What she ended up creating was a story that gave the readers a rehearsal for the pains of life.īut it wasn’t simply Paterson’s life: Bridge to Terabithia was about her son, David L Paterson, as a child. So that was what Paterson set out to do, she wanted to understand what we’re supposed to do in the aftermath of a tragedy. Writing a story is about answering a question. Katherine Paterson’s novel Bridge to Terabithia is an attempt to make sense of an inconceivable situation, one few of us are ever prepared for. We ask, “Why did this have to happen?!” This is especially true when the tragedy was the result of an unfortunate twist of fate: a natural disaster. Ages 9-up.When something terrible occurs, we often try to make sense of it. Contemporary instrumental interludes featuring guitar, piano and drums signal the beginning and end of each tape side. His careful and authentic handling of Jess's anger and grief in the aftermath of the accident is sure to touch listeners. Leonard deftly interprets the strands of humor, realism and heart-wrenching emotion woven into Paterson's fine tale. But one morning a tragic accident befalls Leslie as she ventures alone to Terabithia, and Jess's life is changed forever. Together, they create an imaginary, secret kingdom in the woods called Terabithia that can be reached only by swinging across a creek bed on a rope.

After this rather frustrating introduction, Jess and Leslie soon become inseparable. All seems to be on track, until the new girl in class (who also happens to be Jess's new next-door neighbor), Leslie Burke, leaves all the boys in the dust, including Jess. He's been practicing his sprints all summer, determined to become the fastest runner at school.

Jess Aarons is eager to start fifth grade. Paterson's Newbery-winning novel becomes an entertaining and dramatic audiobook via Leonard's accomplished reading.

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