Linda Thomas: at the movies

Katherine Paterson wrote this Newbury Award winning book to help her son get over the death of a young friend. Jesse (Josh Hutcherson) feels alone in a family of three sisters, a mom and a dad. The only time anyone seems to notice him is to tell him to do his chores. Leslie (AnnaSophia Robb) is the new girl in school. She lives next door to Jesse. They form a friendship and make great use of their imaginations. They explore the nearby forest and create a fantasy world called Terabithia. They also deal with bullies at school, the different family styles they come from and growing up. There is some mild language, peril, the mention of child abuse, various tensions in their families (money, the struggle to survive and loneliness) and a sad death. The movie takes us through the whole range of emotions accompanying a wrenching loss. You will gaze in wonder at Terabithia, laugh and cry. Some of the themes are mature and children must be old enough to comprehend them. There is a sincere portrayal of religious beliefs and the questions children might ask each other about God. I would recommend this movie to families and children over ten years of age and older. Why is Leslie’s friendship so important to Jesse? What would your fantasy kingdom look like?