Bridge to Terabithia

Katherine Paterson

Cover of Bridge to Terabithia

Bridge to Terabithia

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Katherine Paterson

Reading Level 4-5 9ME Ages 9-12 Matched

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

This is the story of a boy who discovers that friendship can create whole new worlds — and that sometimes, those worlds teach us the biggest lessons. Jess and Leslie don’t just play; they build a kingdom where courage and imagination reign. But when something heartbreaking happens, Jess learns that true friendship changes us forever.

Quick Assessment

Bridge to Terabithia is a touching middle-grade novel about the deep friendship between Jess and Leslie, who create an imaginary kingdom to escape their everyday challenges. The story addresses themes of friendship, loss, and personal growth, making it appropriate for readers ages 9 to 12. Parents should be aware that the book includes a significant emotional event involving tragedy, which is handled thoughtfully.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9ME — Moderate — Emotional
Emotional
Moderate
Physical
Clear
Social
Light
Thematic
Light

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

5/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
4
World Scope
9
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

178 pages
ISBN
9780061227288
Pages
178
Publisher
Harper Collins
Published
2007
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Social IssuesFriendshipAmistadDeathFicción JuvenilGriefMuerteNewbery MedalSchoolsSchool StoriesAccelerated ReaderNewbery Medal BookVirginiaLarge Type BooksChildrenConduct of LifeBrothers and SistersChildren and DeathCourageClassicsSocial ThemesDeath & DyingCriticism and InterpretationFantasy FictionImaginationEmotionsFantasyAmerican LiteratureAdolescenceGeographical MythsSpanish Language MaterialsAmitiéRomans, Nouvelles, Etc. Pour La JeunesseMortMythes GéographiquesRomans, NouvellesHistoireAward:Newbery_awardLexile:810Lexile_range:801-900Age:min:9Age:max:12Grade:min:4Grade:max:7Motion Picture Music

People

Katherine Paterson

Places

VirginiaVirginie