Bridge to Terabithia (and more)

We know that reading to/with our young children is a good practice for many reasons, including building a strong bond between parent and child, developing academic as well as emotional intelligence, encouraging critical thinking, etc. The problem parents often run into is running out of compelling stories to encourage a continued reading habit in kids as they grow beyond being read to and develop the skills to read books on their own.

One such story to turn to is called Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. This would be considered a book suitable for readers at the Middle-grade level. It is entertaining, not too complex to follow, but engaging. It shows the compassion for others developing in children as they grow and inspires the importance of imagination for growth and coping and bonding.

It’s a story that a child can read on their own, or one that you can enjoy with them.

Here’s a link to order it: Bridge to Terabithia

(This is an affiliate link – if you order through this link, I will receive a small commission from the company.)

Here is Middle-grade micro-fiction short story written by me to enjoy at no charge:

Beat the Clock

When we walked through the old barns at the back of the run-down track, my eyes set-upon a chestnut mare. On her stall, hung a sign warning handlers of her habit of biting. (I often felt the same.) Labeled “mean,” the horse was destined for the slaughter pen.

Dad headed up to the lounge to place his bets and enjoy a tumbler or two. I hung back, claiming that I just wanted to continue my tour of the barns, as promised in the bargain to come along today.

He disappeared from sight. I snuck back to the red mare’s dusty stall.

I checked the aisle of the barn - no one appeared to be around. I took the mare from the stall with only a halter and rope, hopped onto her bare back and we walked calmly out the back gate. No one followed, or even seemed to notice.

The rear of the track lined a huge meadow. After we sauntered through the opening, I nudged the mare into a full gallop. She took off like a rocket. I had never been on a horse so fast - bonded now by running the race of our lives. We were free!

And one more:

Running in Winter

I watched with excitement as the heavy flakes fell from the sky, swirling outside the window. I knew the next day would be glorious. I went to bed that evening with my heart full, and my nerves buzzing with plans for tomorrow.

I awoke to the sun shining and a fresh blanket of sparkling powder covering the ground. I dressed quickly in my jeans, thick socks and my heaviest sweater to hurry outside, while adjusting my winter coat. The gelding waited for me at the gate, while I grabbed the halter to secure my willing mount before easily hopping on.

I rode bareback through the deep snow, the only sound being hooves sinking into the depths. Steamy breath exited our mouths in sync with each other’s heartbeat, quickening with anticipation of a gallop through the pristine landscape. At last, we reached the clearing, where we stopped for a moment to gather ourselves in preparation.

Hard muscles tensed in his back, getting ready for the start. I adjusted my seat on the thick, winter coat covering the horse beneath me. I grabbed a hunk of the dark mane before me. Once secure, I nudged the beast under me into action softly with my heels.

He sprung forward, kicking up sprays of belly-deep whiteness. My cheeks turned rosy with the cold air, and my eyes sparkled with the tears induced by the wind. I giggled with childish abandon, delighting in the fresh wildness of the new fallen snow.

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Thank you for reading! If you like these stories, you can find more here - (also at no charge) - https://keilakjaartila.substack.com/