Inspired by my feed right now. I limited this to fiction but I read mostly non-fiction as a kid.
The Giving Tree
Controversial I know. First, to heck with your controversy because this was my first biggest favorite thing way before I was aware enough to discern any problematic interpretation. I loved this book more than anything in the world from before I can remember. And second, to heck with your controversy because this book is lovely.
Alexander and the No Good Terrible Horrible Very Bad Day
Another of my early favorites.
Charlotte’s Web
My mother read it to me. My teacher read it to us. I read it myself. I read it to both my children separately. And I’ve read it myself in adulthood a few times. If you forced me to pick a favorite book I would refuse. But if you found a way to persuade me I’d pick this book.
The Oz Books
My mom read us the whole series over a couple of summers and I was mesmerized.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Mom read this one just to me when my brother was off reading his own books. It is such an amazing book even today.
Ramona Quimby
Some of the first books I read and loved myself. When I read them to my kids years later I discovered they are even more beautiful than I remembered.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
And many other Roald Dahl books. I loved the spectacular Quentin Blake illustrations as much as the stories.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
The first very grown up book I remember reading. Can hardly remember the story but I felt very mature.
And then I discovered Vonnegut and that’s pretty much all I read until I was through high school.