Jess and his new neighbour Leslie create an imaginary kingdom called Terabithia where creativity and recognition of each other's worth are valued. In this symbolic world, Jess's daily frustrations with his teacher's rigid thinking and his family's lack of acceptance are dealt with and defeated. Jess sees that Leslie and her parents have no narrow gender definitions and that, in their eyes, his artistic ability is praiseworthy. When Leslie dies accidentally, Jess's father helps him find the inner resources to accept her death and continue his nonconformist pursuits. This time-tested novel offers well-drawn characterization and the use of symbolism. Bridge to Terabithia won a Newbery Award in 1978.--Ministry of Education website.

English language arts grade 6 (2009).