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Late Summer
We meet Jesse Aarons, who runs every day because he wants to be the fastest runner in the 5th grade. Jesse is the only boy in his family, with two older and two younger sisters. -
Jesse Gets News
Jesse learns that new neighbors will be moving into the house next to his. -
We Learn About Jesse
Jesse wants to be an artist when he grows up, but his father disapproves. Although he doesn't like school much, he loves his music teacher, Miss Edmunds. She praises Jesse often for his art talents. At home, Jesse doesn't get along too well with his sisters, except for his younger sister, May Belle. -
Jesse Meets His New Neighbor
While out running, Jesse meets Leslie Burke, a girl his age that has just moved in next door. Leslie tells him she would like to be friends, but Jesse does not really respond. -
First Day of School
The boys have their usual races at lunchtime and Jesse suggests that girls be allowed to race, since Leslie is hanging around watching them. Leslie is eager to enter the race, and not only beats Jesse, but all the other boys as well. She has earned the title "The Fastest Kid in the 5th Grade"! -
Jesse and Leslie Become Friends
Jesse notices that Leslie enjoys music class as much as he does, and he decides he would like to be friends with her. Some of the kids at school make fun of Leslie because she is different. Because he likes to draw, Jesse often feels like he doesn't fit in at school either. -
Terabithia
Jesse and Leslie create Terabithia, a special place in the woods behind their houses, where they can be rulers of an imaginary kingdom. They can only get to Terabithia by swinging across a creek on a rope. -
Dealing With Bullies
Janice Avery, a bully at school, picks on Jesse's little sister, May Belle. Jesse and Leslie plot to get revenge, and trick Janice into thinking a boy she likes wants to take her on a date. Janice is humiliated, and May Belle thinks Jesse is a hero. -
Christmas Eve
Jesse has no money to buy Leslie a nice present for Christmas, but he finds a free puppy to give her. They name the puppy, Prince Terrien. Leslie gives Jesse art supplies and paper, a gift he treasures. -
Jesse Spends Time at Leslie's House
Jesse gets to know Leslie's parents better, especially her dad, when he helps them fix up their house. Jesse realizes how different Mr. and Mrs. Burke are from his own parents. -
Dealing With Bullies, Part Two
Leslie and Jesse are nice to Janice, the school bully, who is having trouble at home. -
Easter Sunday
Leslie attends church with Jesse and his family. She argues with Jesse and May Belle about whether you will go to hell if you don't believe in the Bible. May Belle wonders where Leslie will go if she dies. -
April Showers
It's been raining for over a month, and the creek at Terabithia keeps getting higher. Jesse is afraid, because he cannot swim. -
The Perfect Day
Jesse spends "the perfect day" at the art museum in Washington with his music teacher, Miss Edmunds. -
The Worst Day
Jesse learns that Leslie is dead. She died when she fell off the rope that took them to Terabithia. -
Disbelief
Jesse cannot believe that Leslie is dead and runs out of the house yelling . The next morning, he acts like she is still alive. -
Anger and Acceptance
Jesse visits Leslie's family and finally accepts that he will never see her again. Jesse cries and throws his art supplies in the creek, angry that Leslie has left him. -
Alone at Terabithia
Jesse goes back to Terabithia and makes a wreath to honor Leslie. May Belle follows him and Jesse has to rescue her before she falls into the creek. -
A Bridge to Terabithia
Jesse builds a bridge over the creek so that there is a safe way to get to Terabithia. He brings May Belle across and makes her part of the imaginary kingdom.