Jess is a lonely fifth grade boy focused on his drawing when he meets Leslie, the bright and adventurous new girl next door. The two become best friends and face poverty, bullying, and painful family dynamics together. In order to escape their problems, they imagine for themselves the magical kingdom of Terabithia, only accessible by a rope swing over a creek. Jess and Leslie find comfort and companionship in Terabithia until a heartbreaking accident changes the world forever.