After finishing this book in
fourth grade, I realized for the first time that a book could convey so much more than I ever thought possible.
Before this I had enjoyed numerous children's books, whose only purpose was to foster continued reading. (The Hardy Boys, and all of the books that appeal to a grade-schooler’s sense of humor, but don't really touch anything else) I'm not downplaying the need those types of books, but Bridge to Terabithia was just so satisfying compared to those others.
Patterson should be commended on her ability to write at an elementary school students level, and yet introduce adult themes and not be condescending.