Bridge to Terabithia

Paterson, K. (1972). Bridge to terabithia. New York: HarperCollins.

The culture of the time after the Vietnam War was conflicted new freedoms, rights and way of living were developing and changing. Jesse lived in a small town that did not embrace change. Men and women had their jobs and responsibilities, clothing that was gender appropriate and acceptable hobbies. Jesse did not fit. He had artistic talents which he hid from others, because art and freedom of expression were considered hippie and frowned upon.Things changed when Leslie moved in next door. She did not fit society's norms. She was intelligent, imaginative and dressed like a boy with pants and short hair. Together they created their own special place called Terabithia where there were no limits or restraints, and they could be anything their hearts desired. Bridge to Terabithia transcends the time period in which it was written, and allows children of today to connect with characters that feel they don't quite fit in, find comfort in each other and process the heart wrenching feeling with the loss of someone dear.