Katherine Paterson's award-winning novel captures the story of Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke as they form a friendship that starts out stemming from a challenge. The two become fast friends and spend most of their days together in the woods behind Leslie's house creating an enchanted land that is the setting of their imaginary travels. A tragedy occurs one morning, and Jess soon has to rely on his family and strength found from his friend to grapple with new found grief.