Jesse Aarons  wants to be the forest boy in the class, but when Leslie Burke moves into the neighbouring farm his life changes forever. Even though she runs faster than him, Jesse thinks Leslie is all right – she’s clever, funny and has good ideas. It is Leslie who invents Tarabithia, the secret magical kingdom on island across the creek where Jesse can escape his troublesome family. But one day tragedy strikes and Jesse needs to find the courage to overcome his fears…