Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson.
This book is intended for readers ages 9-12 but I can say well into my college years that I loved reading this book. It tells the story of two 10 year olds who form an unlikely friendship and create a secret world of their own in the woods behind their home. The story takes a sudden turn when death strikes.
I liked this book because it depicts a true friendship. It is very relatable for kids. At first Leslie is an outsider when she moves into town and Jess doesn't accept her right away. He is focused only on running and becoming the fastest kid in the 5th grade. Leslie is different from the rest of the girls. In fact at recess she runs with the boys and doesn't gossip with the rest of the girls. She actually beats Jess in a race. Soon after they become inseperable as kids do in middle school. Leslie and Jess also aren't the most popular in the school but the story shows how the two kids cope with bullies and mean teachers by going to Terabithia.
This book also inspires your imagination to run wild because the two kids create a place of their own, Terabithia, and name themselves king and queen of the land. It becomes a safe haven from the rest of the world. Every 10 year old would like to have a place like that. I know I would have.
This book also addresses religion for a moment when Leslie goes to Church for the first time. She is moved and inspired but doens't belive in the stories. However Jess and his little sister do. I bring this up because in Terabithia Leslie and Jess have a special place they go to where they talk to a made up higher being. I like this idea because it gives them something to belive in that is better than what they know.