Bridge to Terabithia, directed by Gabor Csupo (DVD)

Bibliographic Information:
Csupo, G. (2007). Bridge to Terabithia. Walt Disney Video. ASIN: B00005JPL5

Book Awards:
Not applicable

Plot Summary:
Jess, a fifth grader, has a new neighbor. Leslie does not endear herself to him by being weird, or by being rich, and especially not by taking his place as the fastest 5th grader. She does, however, have a heck of an imagination! The woods across the creek become the kingdom of Terabithia, and Jess and Leslie become the supreme rulers there, despite the efforts of the trolls to overthrow them. When Leslie dies in an accident, though, Jess has some decisions to make--about Terabithia and about his life outside.

Critical Evaluation:
This is a gorgeous movie. Terabithia is wonderful-- the force of the children's imagination brings all of its inhabitants to life, and gives each creature its own personality. The actors that play Jess and Leslie, Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb, are true professionals, and give a very down-to-earth performance-- no extra drama to detract from the story. Although the story is based around a tragedy, the overall tone of the movie, as well as the ending, is about growth and hope.

Reader's Annotation:
Jess's new neighbor doesn't have TV! What does she do with her time? Jess finds out when Leslie invites him to rule her magical kingdom with her.

About the Author:
Not applicable

Genre:
Fiction

Curriculum Ties:
Creative writing

Booktalking Ideas:
Trolls in the woods

Interest Age:
9+

Challenge Issues:
None

Reason Included:
The book is fairly old-- it was published in 1977, and since I liked the book as a child, I wanted to see how they did with the movie. Filmmakers wisely waited until computer generated graphics could do justice to the creatures of Terabithia.