Dear Fifth Grade Parents,
I am excited to announce that our class will soon begin a short novel study of Katherine Paterson’s Bridge to Terabithia. Along with our curriculum work, I will be reading the story aloud to the students. This book holds a very special place in my heart; I first read it as a fifth grader in Catholic school, and it had a profound impact on me. Its timeless themes of friendship, imagination, and personal growth are perfect for this age group, and I am honored to share this experience with your children. Once we finish the book, we’ll watch the movie together so the class can see the world of Terabithia come to life and talk about how it compares to the story we read.
As we dive into this study, I want to make you aware of a few aspects of the book:
Sensitive Themes: The story includes a significant loss when a central character passes away. While this event is handled with great sensitivity and provides a meaningful opportunity for discussion on resilience, I want you to be aware in case you’d like to discuss it with your child at home.
Language: The text contains some realistic language and mild profanity. Author Katherine Paterson chose this language to ensure her characters felt like “real people.” To maintain the story’s emotional honesty and the author’s intent, I plan to read the text as written. However, I want to be sensitive to those who would prefer their child not hear it. Please contact me as soon as possible if you have concerns.
“Jess and his father talk like the people I knew who lived in that area. I believe it is my responsibility to create characters who are real, not models of good behavior. If Jess and his dad are to be real, they must speak and act like real people. I have a lot of respect for my readers. I do not expect them to imitate my characters, simply to care about them and understand them. I wrote Bridge to try to understand for myself the tragedy of Lisa Hill’s death, and, though I was not fully aware of it, to help me face my own death.”
– Katherine Paterson
For a more detailed overview of the book’s content, including information about language used, I encourage you to view the review on the Common Sense Media website:
Bridge to Terabithia Book Review
I am looking forward to the insightful conversations this book will surely spark in our classroom. Thank you for your continued support, and please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Please comment below so I know that you have read this update.
Many Blessings,
Mrs. A