Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson.
I'd never read Bridge to Terabithia. There, I said it. I know, right! Why have I never read it? I'm honestly not sure, as it is on every What Books Every Kid Should Read in School - list. Granted, when it was written I was on my way out of school, but I do have four kids, you know. Because of Modern Mrs. Darcy's challenge, of which I took the challenge to complete the list of books to read, Bridge to Terabithia is my read a book you can finish in a day selection.
Jess Aarons has been practicing all summer so he can be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. And he almost is, until the new girl in school, Leslie Burke, outpaces him. The two become fast friends and spend most days in the woods behind Leslie's house, where they invent an enchanted land called Terabithia. One morning, Leslie goes to Terabithia without Jess and a tragedy occurs. It will take the love of his family and the strength that Leslie has given him for Jess to be able to deal with his grief. - Amazon
I chose not to read the back, nor any reviews, other than to know that it is a Newbery Medal winner, a classic tale for elementary school age children, and it has been on the banned books list. Thus, I could have selected this book for the read a book on the banned book list but figured finishing a children's book in a day would be a given as there are tons of books on the banned books list.
And then I read it. In just a couple hours, between a busy weather morning, and I was blown away! Tucked in this 191 page little book is gold. It is about life and loss.
Rating: 10