<p>I read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn when I was 12 or 13 and I really enjoyed it. I also read East of Eden during this time and loved it.</p>
<p>OTOH, I remember having to read Island of the Blue Dolphins in the 6th grade and thinking how dreadful and boring it was. I’m not a big fan of nature/adventure books so YMMV.</p>
<p>The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis. If she likes the first book, there are (I think) 6 more books in the series. Which is one of the best things that can happen to a reader. :)</p>
<p>lookingforward is surprised by my reading Desiree, I’m always surprised when intparent brings up Enchantress from the Stars - a favorite of mine too. :)</p>
<p>Interesting stuff about how frustrated she was by being labeled a children’s book author when she really only wrote one book intended for a teen audience: [FAQ</a> About Sylvia Engdahl and Her Science Fiction Novels](<a href=“http://www.sylviaengdahl.com/se-faq.htm]FAQ”>FAQ About Sylvia Engdahl and Her Science Fiction Novels)</p>