Bridge to Terabithia
Penguin Books, Limited (UK) 1995
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- imagination
- grief
- coping with loss
- courage
- family dynamics
- bullying
- self-discovery
About this book
Jess Aarons and new neighbor Leslie Burke create a secret kingdom in the woods called Terabithia, where imagination and courage rule. Their friendship helps them face school struggles, family pressures, and fears in the real world. With warmth and honesty, this classic explores creativity, empathy, and resilience. Perfect for middle-grade readers ready for an emotionally rich story told with heart.
Setting: rural Virginia (Lark Creek), 1970s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bridge to Terabithia right for my child?
Yes — Bridge to Terabithia is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include friendship, imagination, grief.
How long does it take to read Bridge to Terabithia?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Bridge to Terabithia takes around 4.2h to finish. The book has 38,154 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Bridge to Terabithia have an AR quiz?
Yes — Bridge to Terabithia has an AR quiz available, worth 5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Bridge to Terabithia?
Bridge to Terabithia has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.