Jess Aarons` greatest ambition is to be the fastest runner in his grade. He`s been practicing all summer and can`t wait to see his classmates` faces when he beats them all. But on the first day of school, a new girl boldly crosses over to the boys` side and outruns everyone. That`s not a very promising beginning for a friendship, but Jess and Leslie Burke become inseparable. Together they create Terabithia, a magical kingdom in the woods where the two of them reign as king and queen, and their imaginations set the only limits. Then one morning a terrible tragedy occurs. Only when Jess is able to come to grips with this tragedy does he finally understand the strength and courage Leslie has given him.