Bridge to Terabithia — My Terabithia Contest!

Congratulations to Chandler G. and Hank S. from Manalapan, NJ. Theirs is the winning entry in the My Terabithia Contest. They have won a free screening of Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media’s Bridge to Terabithia for their class and a visit from author Katherine Paterson. Way to go, guys!

In this contest with the theme of "Special Places," we asked entrants to express themselves both artistically like Jess and in writing like Leslie in Bridge to Terabithia. Here is the winning entry:

WINNER’S CIRCLE STADIUM
by Chandler G. and Hank S.

My Terabithia Contest Winners

“Hurry up and come down the basement Chandler. We only have one hour before you have to leave and I want to get to Winner’s Circle Stadium,” exclaimed Hank. “Don’t forget to shut the door behind you,” Hank continued.

“I got the pillow for first; you get the ones for second and third,” yelled Chandler. “I want to be the Yankees today,” demanded Hank. “That’s perfect,” replied Chandler, “because I want to be the Mets.” Hank and Chandler moved quickly to convert the large and empty basement into Winner’s Circle Stadium. The worn pillows by the heat vent became bases and the bubble wrap from the move became home plate.

“Chandler, anything beyond the barstool is foul,” announced Hank. “If the ball is hit into the bathroom, automatic homerun,” explained Chandler

“I almost forgot about the fans,” gasped Hank.

“That’s right,” remarked Chandler, “go get the stuffed animals we usually use, and put them on the futon.” “Put MVP 2005 in the Xbox, and we’ll use what voice is in the game as our announcer,” suggested Chandler.

“Chandler, pick your line-up from the baseball cards you brought,” said Hank. The boys began to sift through the boxes of their precious baseball cards. Years of buying, trading and selling baseball cards have made picking their lineups a favorite pastime.

“No fair,” complained Chandler, “I wanted Joe Morgan.”

“Too bad for you,” teased Hank. In addition to Joe Morgan, Hank chose Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron and… Nolan Ryan.

“Amazing lineup,” exclaimed Chandler. “Here’s mine: Babe Ruth, Lou Brock, Ty Cobb, and … Bob Gibson,” bragged Chandler.

“Batter up!” they hollered. With the crack of the bat from the first batter, Winner Circle Stadium became alive! The futon fans began cheering for their favorite team. As Joe Morgan rounded first base, the old pillows were replaced with one and one half inch, nylon covered, major league bases. The ball flew to right field were Babe Ruth ascended from his flat baseball card. Inning after inning, the voice of the Xbox announcer faded away and the voice of Phil Rizzuto became clearer.

The score is tied seven to seven at the end of six innings of play. The top of the order is up for the Yankees. Hank Aaron steps up to the plate. Pitcher, Bob Gibson, releases the ball. As the ball approaches the bat, a female voice is heard. “Chandler, your mom will be here in five minutes, so clean up boys,” announced Hank’s mom.

As Hank and Chandler heard the female voice, their Winner’s Circle Stadium turned back into the large, empty basement. “Today was the best game yet,” stated Chandler. “I am so thrilled that we have this magical place where we can be ourselves and do what we like to do best,” uttered Hank.

“Definitely,” agreed Chandler.

Winner's Circle Stadium