The points of issue
First edition: Thomas Y. Crowell 1977; first-issue dust jacket WITHOUT the Newbery Medal (won 1978), priced the printed price; copyright page shows '1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10' or a code with no later-printing statement.
Is this the true first?
US Crowell is the true first. The pre-Newbery jacket (no medal) marks the true first; relaunch jackets added the gold medal after 1978.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions add the Newbery Medal, drop the price, are smaller, and carry a board blind-stamp.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Bridge to Terabithia a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First edition: Thomas Y. Crowell 1977; first-issue dust jacket WITHOUT the Newbery Medal (won 1978), priced the printed price; copyright page shows '1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10' or a code with no later-printing statement.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. US Crowell is the true first. The pre-Newbery jacket (no medal) marks the true first; relaunch jackets added the gold medal after 1978.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions add the Newbery Medal, drop the price, are smaller, and carry a board blind-stamp.
I have a first edition of Bridge to Terabithia — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.