Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Bridge to Terabithia

film

Bridge to Terabithia

2007

Jesse Aarons trained all summer to become the fastest runner in school. So he's very upset when newcomer Leslie Burke outruns him and everyone else. Despite this and other differences including that she's rich, he's poor, she's a city girl, and he's a country boy the two become fast friends. Together they create Terabithia, a land of monsters, trolls, ogres, and giants where they rule as king and queen.

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? The film is accessible to children but includes bullying, peril, frightening fantasy imagery, family conflict, and a sudden close-character death followed by substantial grief. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Strong language2/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

A central character dies, leading to significant themes of grief, sadness, and mourning.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild name-calling and bullying language.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Religious belief and churchgoing appear in the family’s life, but faith is not the main subject.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

The central relationship is a deep friendship with a slight, age-appropriate suggestion of affection rather than dating.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Imaginary monsters and giants, frightening fantasy encounters, and real-world danger may unsettle younger viewers.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Bullying, playground fights, fantasy battles, and peril occur, but violence is brief and not graphically presented.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters face bullying, fear, family hardship, and devastating loss, with emotional courage and perseverance emphasized.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Central focus on the power of imagination and storytelling.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The leads differ in class, gender expression, personality, and background; broader cultural and identity diversity is limited.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Promotes literature and imaginative play.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Empathy and friendship are central to the story.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong positive messages about creativity, overcoming adversity, and the power of friendship.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The children show creativity, loyalty, and growth, though adults and peers also display neglect, prejudice, bullying, or poor judgment.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Bridge to Terabithia would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Bridge to Terabithia, and what caused that change?
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