Jesse Aarons trained all summer to become the fastest runner in school, so he s very upset when newcomer Leslie Burke outruns him and everyone else. Despite this and other differences, including that she s rich, he s poor, and she s a city girl, he s a country boy, the two become fast friends. Together, they create Terabithia, a land of monsters, trolls, ogres, and giants and rule as king and queen. This friendship helps Jess cope with the tragedy that makes him realize what Leslie taught him.