Growing up in the Redneck country isn't easy for shy Jess Aarons, with a father struggling to make ends meet, three arrogant bigger sisters and a 'baby' he has to take to school and watches generally. In class he bonds with cheeky newcomer Leslie Burke, whose scientist parents moved into the neighboring villa, despite her taking his only local prestige by beating him in the race. Wandered off after school in the woods, they invent a fantasy land Terabithia, where they can be the superheroes of imaginary feral races. Together they also stand up against school bullies, but then tragedy strikes and Jess must adjust again.