Written by Bill Konigsberg
Aaron and Tillie don’t know each other, but both are feeling suicidal and end up going to the bridge together, with plans to end their lives. Aaron, a white, gay, Jewish teen, suffers from depression and loneliness. Tillie, a Korean American, never feels like she’s good enough, probably because everyone tells her so. With four story lines happening at the same time, there are four possible endings: Aaron jumps and Tillie gets help, Tillie jumps and Aaron gets help, both jump, or both don’t and go get help. Each story line goes into the consequences of each of these. Which will the characters choose?
An accurate, nuanced look at suicide and depression, the author captures an intriguing, unique take on a sensitive topic. Drawing from his own experiences as a suicide survivor, he adds a raw, accurate depiction of the different points of view. Those who are dealing with similar issues or who like heart-tugging realistic fiction may want to pick this one up.
Reviewed by Jessica Moody, Library Technology Coach, Olympus Jr High
Review shared in February 2023
Rating: ★★★✩✩ (3 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 10-12
The Bridge
Written by Bill Konigsburg
Scholastic Press
388 pages
Release Date: September 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-33832-503-4 (hardcover) / 978-1-33832-504-1 (paperback)
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
