Some years ago, one of my sons read The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keattey Snyder, a 1968 Newbery Honor Book. He has been begging me for literally years to read this book, but he and I both have extensive lists we think I should read, so it's taken me awhile to get to it. However, I'm glad that I finally did!

This story has strong Bridge to Terabithia vibes, but without the sobbing tears at the end. It's about two friends with a rich, imaginative private life, it's about the power of play, it's about the magic in that final summer of childhood, and it's about friendship.

April Hall is a child who is sent from her glamorous showbiz mother to live with her grandmother away outside of the Hollywood life. April doesn't really fit in with her froofy hair and fake eyelashes, but her neighbor Melanie Ross gives her a chance. The two girls bond over their love of books and over their avid imaginations. Over a period of time, they develop an entire play world of rituals and language and characters.

Unfortunately, their world is put at risk by nosy classmates who might break the magic and put at risk even more seriously by a murderer in the neighborhood who keeps them from their play.

I don't want to spoil anything, but I had some mixed feelings about the conclusion of the story. However, overall, it was a well done tale. I know it swept my son up into the magic of their world and inspired him to get creative, too.