What’s it all about?:
Jess Aarons’ greatest ambition is to be the fastest runner in his grade. He’s been practicing all summer and can’t wait to see his classmates’ faces when he beats them all. But on the first day of school, a new girl boldly crosses over to the boys’ side and outruns everyone.
That’s not a very promising beginning for a friendship, but Jess and Leslie Burke become inseparable. Together they create Terabithia, a magical kingdom in the woods where the two of them reign as king and queen, and their imaginations set the only limits.
Logo designed by Luna’s Little Library
Welcome to our sixth book of 2015 and the twelfth book in our series of Banned/Challenged Books. We’ll be looking at why the book was challenged, how/if things have changed since the book was originally published and our own opinions on the book. This is what we’ll be reading for the rest of 2015 – the post will go out on the last Monday of each month so if you’d like to read along with us, you are more than welcome.
JULY
Detour for Emmy by Marilyn Reynolds
Chosen by : Chrissi
AUGUST
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Chosen by : Beth
SEPTEMBER
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Chosen by: Chrissi
OCTOBER
Forever by Judy Blume
Chosen by : Beth
NOVEMBER
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Chosen by : Chrissi
DECEMBER
Olive’s Ocean by Kevin Henkes
Chosen by: Beth
But back to this month….
Bridge To Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
What did you think of this book?
BETH: I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I think the important thing for me is that I didn’t know the story so wasn’t expecting the sadness and bitter sweetness of it. Jess was a lovely character although I found his teenage crush on his teacher a bit awkward to read if I’m totally honest. I completely fell in love with the world, Terabithia that was created by Jess and Leslie and it reminded me of those innocent childhood times in my own past when make believe was an important part of my life and often offered an escape from “real life.”
CHRISSI: I wasn’t really aware of this book before Beth picked it for our challenge. I thought it was a very intriguing read. I’m not sure that it’s a book that I would read again, as I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I wanted to. It’s also a book that’s rather heavy going and sad, but it’s certainly not a book that should be challenged in my eyes!
Would you recommend it?
BETH: But of course!
CHRISSI: Yes!
Beth’s personal star rating (out of 5):
Please join us again on the last Monday of July where we will be discussing Chrissi’s choice of Banned Book – Detour for Emmy by Marilyn Reynolds.
