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Bridge to Terabithia book cover

Bridge to Terabithia

by Katherine Paterson

Heinemann Educational Publishers 1977

Great fit for 4th grade

Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14

4th grade English English fiction
128
Pages
5
AR Points
4.2h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Newbery Medal

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • friendship
  • imagination
  • grief
  • resilience
  • individuality
  • family
  • courage
  • empathy

About this book

Jesse Aarons and his new neighbor Leslie Burke create a secret kingdom in the woods where imagination rules and friendship grows. Their adventures give them a safe place to be brave, creative, and truly themselves. When real-life challenges arise, what they’ve built together helps them face change with courage. A heartfelt, beautifully written story for middle grade readers who enjoy realistic fiction with big emotions and a touch of wonder.

Setting: rural Virginia, 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.