Katherine Paterson Books In Order

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Katherine Paterson
Katherine Paterson is a young adult fantasy author best known for her novel, Bridge of Terabithia. Paterson was born in Quinn Jingo, China, but her parents left for the US at the height of the second world war. She graduated from King College and enjoyed her years studying American literature. The talented author later studied Christian education as she prepared to become a missionary. After four years of teaching rural schools in Japan, Paterson moved back to the US, got married, and started writing curriculum material for fifth and sixth graders. She is now a mother of four grown children, a grandmother, a loving wife, and a celebrated author.

Bridge of Terabithia
Bridge of Terabithia tells the story of two unusual friends and the moments they enjoy together. Jess Aaron wants to be the fastest runner in his fifth-grade class, and he has been practicing all summer to make this a reality. He cannot wait to see the admiration on his classmates’ faces when he emerges the winner. However, things do not go as he anticipated. A new girl outruns everyone on their first day of school. While Jess is disappointed that he doesn’t achieve his goal, he doesn’t have anything against the new girl. Leslie Burke and Jess become fast friends. Soon, they become inseparable and create Terabithia, a magical kingdom where one is the king and the other, queen.

In the fantasy kingdom of Terabithia, Jess and Leslie let their imagination run wild. The friendship between them blossoms as they continue spending time together while hiding their world from everyone else. These two lonely kids enjoy each other’s company in school and at home as neighbors and classmates. Jess is the only boy in his family, which means that he is also expected to run errands and take care of his younger sisters. Leslie has always been an outcast and a victim of bullying at school. While everything is not perfect for Jess and Leslie, their lives are much better because they can count on each other. It’s also nice having young siblings who adore them and an understanding teacher.

Things do get intense at some point in this story, and some events will leave you sobbing. The author expertly handles death and grief, a theme many authors do not explore in the kids’ or young adults’ genre. You will enjoy meeting all the characters and their pet, only to have your heart broken when death strikes. Leslie is such a delightful character. While being a nerd exposes her to ridicule at school, she has a fantastic personality. Jess is also a delight and one of those characters who bring a bit of sunshine even on gloomy days. The fantasy world these kids create is impressive, but they will eventually have to pay the price in the end.

Bridge of Terabithia is a fascinating story that starts with an uncanny friendship. Jess feels overburdened, overlooked, and under-appreciated. Leslie is bullied until she gets exhausted and decides to take action. There is so much more packed in this little book, not to mention the gut-wrenching events that will break even the hardest of hearts. While this book is written with young adults in mind, there is something for everyone, young and old. The story is a blend of happiness, revelation, and sadness, and it is amazing how the cast grows on you after the first few chapters.

Jacob Have I Loved
Jacob Have I Loved tells the story of two girls, Sara Louise Bradshaw and her twin Caroline. Sara was born a few seconds before Caroline, and she felt that this is the only time she enjoyed being the center of attention. Ever since her sister Caroline was born, Sara became invisible. Her twin was pretty, talented, and better in every possible way, which explains why her parents and everyone around them paid more attention to her. As they grew older, Sara begins to resent her sister, and her hatred grows the more Caroline becomes successful. Why does she have to take everything Sara wants, including her friends? Why can’t Sara be the special one just once to her family?

After wallowing for a better part of her childhood, Sara begins to realize that what she felt about herself mattered more than what others felt about her. As she continues to accept herself, Sara discovers that everyone else is treating her much better. Most of the hatred she felt from her family and friends was perceived, and this was majorly because she did not think she was enough. Reading this book from a child’s view, you will pity Sara and wish everyone would show her some love. However, from an adult’s eye, you can easily see that most of Sara’s sadness came from within. It almost feels like she is jealous of her sisters and doesn’t appreciate what her parents and friends do to make her feel appreciated.

This story paints a perfect picture of what goes on in teenagers’ minds. Many feel unloved and like their parents ignore them. The talented ones are only focused on shinning and barely pay attention to what is happening around them. While you will be sad that Sara has such a difficult time, you will enjoy witnessing her transformation. Once she stops sacrificing so much and starts pushing for what she wants, her life takes a turn for the better. Young adults can learn a lot from both Caroline and Sara. What matters to each of us is what we think about ourselves. If you believe that you are less than, then the world will continue treating you as such.

Jacob Have I Loved is a beautiful story about growing up and the pain that comes with it. The full-circle message towards the end makes this a perfect read for every teenager. All of us have numerous opportunities to seize if only we could change our attitudes. This story also comes with humor, emotion, and just the right dose of sadness, making it a satisfying read for adults as well. Everything from the narration to the pace is just right, and the setting gives the novel quite an edge.