The Tripods Series by John Christopher
opinion: Thought-provoking, entertaining, recommended
This book is the first in the Tripod Series. They're all good stand-alone, but much better read consecutively. It is a science fiction series set on Earth before, during, and after an alien invasion. I read The White Mountains when I was about seven or eight years old and was thrilled when I found out that it was only one of a series. I'm afraid to say too much, because I don't want to take away from the plot lines, they're very good, all of them. Here is a list of all of the books in their order:
When the Tripods Came
The White Mountains
The City of Gold and Lead
The Pool of Fire


Book of Enchantments by Patricia C. Wrede
opinion: charming, recommended
This book is a collection of short stories that are very fairy-tale like. It's one of the best short story books I've ever read, but be sure to read the Enchanted Forest Chronicles before you start this one, as the characters from that series make an appearance in one of the short stories and you don't want to spoil the whole series with too much information. Patricia Wrede seems to be even better at short stories than she is at novels, and that's saying a lot. Some of the stories seem to have hidden meanings, while others leave a lasting impression without saying too much. I love old fairy tales, but Wrede's take on that genre is easier and more down-to-earth than their older counterparts.

The Enchanted Forest Chronicles
by Patricia C. Wrede

Dealing with Dragons: The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Book One
Searching for Dragons: The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Book Two
Calling on Dragons: The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Book Three
Talking to Dragons: The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Book Four

opinion: Fun, recommended
As this series begins we meet the unconventional princess Cimorene, who runs away from her home in order to escape marriage to a handsome, dull, and not particularly bright prince. Cimorene is not content with a princess's lot in life and wants to learn things, and do things rather than always worry about what's proper and serve as a human doiley. She manages to escape the castle, and finds an unlikely job as a dragon's assistant. Princesses are usually kidnapped to fill this role, but the non-conformist princess volunteers. It's an interesting job. As the series continues Cimorene's situation changes in ways that I can't tell you without spoiling things. It's really a fun series that I think everyone can appreciate.