"Terabithia" is a children's novel written by Katherine Paterson, published in 1977. The story follows a young boy named Jess Aarons, who dreams of becoming the fastest runner in his school. He befriends a new girl, Leslie Burke, and together they create an imaginary kingdom called Terabithia in the woods, where they can escape from their everyday lives. The novel explores themes of friendship, imagination, and loss. As Jess and Leslie navigate their adventures in Terabithia, they face challenges that ultimately lead to personal growth. The story is celebrated for its emotional depth and has been adapted into films and stage productions.