Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

The life of a ten-year-old boy in rural Virginia expands when he becomes friends with a newcomer who subsequently meets an untimely death trying to reach their hideaway, Terabithia, during a storm.

My gosh this book is beautiful and sad. I know everyone knows the movie, but the book is better (yes, I'm one of those people). I've seriously yet to read a book that makes me cry as hard as this (and I cry at A LOT of books).

The idea of this book is beautiful - including childhood imagination in a fantastical sense while also including grief and loss and the realization of what the world was....and oh my gosh I'm tearing up as a write the review. I've come to understand that what makes a book 5 stars for me is when it, on the surface, has a cool fantastical plot, yet also comments on some really real and emotional themes that happen in every day life. And when it's done with the eloquence of Paterson's work...well that goes beyond 5 stars in my opinion.

I'm fine...I'm fine.

Jess and Leslie are an unlikely pair to become friends, but they do, and around their friendship, they build a magical kingdom. Their kingdom is hidden from everyone, and only open to them. Jess struggles with his family. Leslie's family is running away from the rat-race that they were involved in.

This is a sweet story of friendships and how the most unlikely of people can become friends. This is a cute story that kids of all ages will love! It is sad, but it portrays the true meaning of friendship and love.