Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Jesse Oliver Aarons, Jr is caught in the middle of four sisters and often feels like the odd man out. When "hippie" neighbors move in across the pasture, Jess finds himself becoming friends with Leslie, a girl no less, who is in his grade. This is the story of friendship, of imagination, of responsibilities and the angst of a 10-year young boy. The book is labeled for junior reading but is good reading for readers of all kinds. A Newbery Medal Winner, the story is timeless. Sandy Penton