Jess Aarons' greatest ambition is to be the fastest runner in his grade. He's been practicing all summer and can't wait to see his classmates' faces when he beats them all. But on the first day of school, a new girl boldly crosses over to the boys' side and outruns everyone. That's not a very promising beginning for a friendship, but Jess and Leslie Burke become inseparable. Together, they create Terabithia, a magical kingdom in the woods where the two of them reign as king and queen, and their imaginations set the only limits. Then one morning a terrible tragedy occurs. Only when Jess is able to come to grips with this tragedy does he finally understand the strength and courage Leslie has given him. Performed by Robert Sean Leonard
This children's classic has been recorded several times, but Robert Sean Leonard has crafted a recording that earns its place among the best. Leonard brings Jess to life, his yearning and striving, his love for his family, and his secret pleasure--his art. Leonard imbues the story with emotion. Though he doesn't give all the characters their own voices, he builds their identities clearly. When Jess decides to allow Leslie into his world, we feel his caution but also his understanding of Leslie's difficult position, and we share the surprise as their friendship blossoms. And when tragedy strikes, we are there with Jess as he finds the strength and courage to go on. W.L.S. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine
About the Author
Katherine Paterson was born in China, where she spent part of her childhood. After her education in China and the American South, she spent four years in Japan, the setting for her first three novels. Ms. Paterson has received numerous awards for her writing, including National Book Awards for The Master Puppeteer and The Great Gilly Hopkins, as well as Newbery Medals for Jacob Have I Loved and Bridge to Terabithia. Ms. Paterson lives with her husband in Vermont. They have four grown children.
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