Grades 3-6

Plot: Although Jess has chores to do every morning, he wakes up extra early to practice to be the fastest runner at his school. When he and the rest of the boys are beaten by his new neighbor girl, he views her with spite. But, soon enough, Jess can't resist her carefree charm and they quickly become best friends. In their friendship, Jess and Leslie form an imaginary world called Terabithia that is only accessible by a swinging rope across a river. Leslie allows Jess to escape from his mundane life of pre-determined expectations as a boy and into a world where he can open his imagination.

In Leslie's willingness to do adventurous and sometimes dangerous things, she falls into the river during a spring storm and is killed in the rushing current. Jess's reaction to this tragic event is described in a very honest and realistic depiction of denial then harrowing realization.

Wonderful for children coping with loss at a young age where it may be hard for adults to explain the complexity of the situation. Beautifully written and short enough for a younger audience.