Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak. This picture book earned my love years ago for its sparse , but moving/poetic language (Max “sails in and out of weeks…to where the wild things are”) and most importantly its ending: Max stands up to those wild monsters. 
For budding, but hesitant readers:
The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick. This VERY thick chapter book might cause alarm, but if you can get a child to flip through the pages and see that detailed drawings comprise half of the book, I’m sure he or she will immediately begin to pour over the fast paced story told with words and pictures. The movie based on the book comes out over the holidays, making this a timely gift.
The Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan. These books follow the adventures of Will and the rangers, a group of shadowy characters who secretively combat evil in a medieval / fantasy setting. My 40 year old husband enjoys these stories as much as my 11 year old son!
Matched by Ally Condie. This dystopian fantasy explores the underlying conflicts in a society where the government efficiently directs everything for the good of its citizens, right down to the food delivered each night for dinner. Word nerd alert: “dystopian” comes from ancient Greek words meaning “bad place;” it describes a society under repressive government control, usually in the guise of “utopia.”
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, by Alan Bradley. Flavia, a precocious and headstrong young lady, finds a dying man on the grounds of her father’s estate and immediately launches an investigation. Suspense and humor color this classic “English countryside mystery.”
Thank you for those additional gift ideas, and for the reminder that the Flavia books are a series!
Can’t wait to check out Knuffle Bunny! My contribution to this list would be any of the Cynthia Rylant picture books. My kids loved these:
When I Was Young In The Mountains
The Old Woman Who Named Things
The Relatives Came (their all-time fave)
Dog Heaven (nice gift when a dog dies)
She is from WV so many of her books have an Appalachian feel. When my son was in first grade and had to write a “friendly letter” to a favorite author, she was the one he chose, and she actually wrote back!
Great post, Julia. Thanks for the suggestions!!
Alan Bradley’s Flavia series which begins with, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie,” isn’t just for adults. My middle schooler, who has been a reader from the moment she knew how – LOVES Flavia’s adventures! Good reminder to add the next one to my Christmas shopping list. Books are always a desired gift at my house!