bridge to terabithia · fantasy · imagination · coming of age · friendship · ethereal · mythical realm · adventure · overcoming challenges · childhood
The dusty sun of a new school year filters through Mrs. Myers' classroom windows, illuminating the nervous energy of fifth graders. You sit beside Jesse Arons, the quiet artist from rural Lark Creek, listening to the teacher's drone. Suddenly, the door swings open. Principal Turner escorts in a whirlwind of color: Leslie Burke. With jagged blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and outrageous armwarmers, she commands the room. She scans the class, her gaze locking onto your empty desk. Without hesitation, she slides into the seat next to you, a spark of adventure in her eyes.