Has anyone read this book?

[4fireworks]

Bridge to Terabithia? My 13 yo neice is in the play, and I of course got tickets for my family to go see her debut performance! I'm getting a little concerned after hearing some of the content of the book, if it will be too much for my dd. She is very near 6, and some things will scare her more than I think they should and others she's totally fine with. When I asked my neice if there was anything "bad" in the play, she said not really- 1 character dies, and there is a goblin that gets stabbed. I'm just looking for some feedback if anyone has read the book or seen a play, if you would take your young one's? I think my 91/2 ds will be okay with it. I really think it would be cool to see their cousin ( who's destined for Hollywood ) on stage, but not if it freaks them out!!!

 

[susykt4]

That was definitely one of my favorite childhood books. It's been a while since I last read it, but it's basically about a boy and girl who make up their own pretend world. It was terribly sad when the girl died, but I don't remember anything scary. I don't remember any goblin, but I'm sure it has to do with a story they are imagining while in Terebithia. Maybe if you warn your child that the kids make up pretend adventures she'll be ok with the scary scenes? I would guess the goblin scene would be the only thing remotely scary because the book was mainly about the boy and girl becoming friends and inventing their fantasy land and then about the boy dealing with the death of his friend.

A neighbor girl and I loved the book so much we invented our own Terebithia in the woods behind our houses and played there for years.

 

[kpk89]

What a wonderful book -- I used to do a book group with it with my fifth graders. It does have some tough emotional stuff to deal with, but I can't imagine that a stage version would have anything visually scary. I guess I would base the decision upon whether your 6 yr old will pick up on the death part and whether you feel ready to have that kind of discussion, because its bound to bring up questions.

 

[taximomfor4]

I read this book for school in 7th grade. I don't remember anything being scary, but I HATED this book. I cried and sobbed when the little girls dies. I was quite sensitive about animal/child deaths as a child, even in fiction. I am still like that. You know your child best, how is she with death? Unless they really upped the creepy factor in the imagination scenes, it should not be really scary at all. My 7yo dd would have a very tough time with the girl dying, so she were like MY dd, I would not take her.

HTH!
Beth

 

[Mom to Jordan]

I remember crying so hard reading this book. DS read it about 3rd grade and really got upset too. I neither remember it being scary but just so sad. I do know that children's plays are often hard to follow and I imagine that your young child will "miss" alot of the story line. I would focus on watching your niece and you should be ok.

Jordans' mom

 

[isla bonita]

Beautiful story. Loved the book. I think it should be fine it is children putting on the play.

 

[GEM]

It's a childhood classic - a really beautiful book. I was, I think, in 3rd grade when I read it. I would take my 6 year old to see it in a heartbeat.

 

[4fireworks]

Well.. the play is tomorrow night, and I'm still not for sure, but I'm leaning towards taking her. It is put on by teenagers and like some of you have said, it shouldn't be too visually "scary" b/c it is on stage, not on t.v.! That's it , Iv'e decided-she'll go.
I'll let you know how it goes!!!
Thanks

 

[MrsPete]

I love all of Katherine Patterson's books, but this one is SAD. Not only does the girl die at the end, but the boy also feels immense guilt because he was partially to blame for her death (because he was supposed to have gone with her, but instead he went to an art-thing).

Remember, plays don't always mirrror the actual books accurately. It's entirely possible that the the script allows the girl to be saved at the end (or some other twist).

 

[andriade]

I read this book with a fifth grade class I had. It was SAD! I don't think I would call it scary for a kid though. It is more scary for us parents. The thought of losing a child is the scariest thing I can think of. Many children's books are sad and contain a loss. I have learned this as a teacher. Use your own judgement. You know your child best.

 

[4fireworks]

We went last evening, and the play was great!! Not scary at all for dd. It was sad but, I don't think she was affected like me, I was holding back tears!
Thanks for your input!!