It's hard to give a definitive list without knowing the 11-year-old's specific interests! But here are some suggestions across a variety of genres, aiming for engaging stories with age-appropriate content:
Adventure:
* The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis: A classic series with talking animals, mythical creatures, and a timeless message.
* Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan: This series combines Greek mythology with modern-day action, featuring demigods, monsters, and exciting quests.
* The Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan: A series about a young boy who becomes an apprentice to a skilled ranger, filled with adventure, sword fights, and wilderness survival.
* The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan: A series about two siblings who discover they are descendants of Egyptian gods and get caught up in a thrilling adventure.
Fantasy:
* The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black: A family uncovers a field guide to fairies, leading to magical encounters and adventures.
* The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale: A princess disguised as a goose girl struggles to regain her rightful place in a magical world.
* The Neverending Story by Michael Ende: A boy escapes into a magical world to save a dying Empress and uncover the power of storytelling.
* Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones: A young woman cursed with age is visited by a mysterious wizard and his moving castle.
Mystery/Thriller:
* The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart: Four gifted orphans embark on a mission to save the world from a sinister plot.
* The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin: A complex and thrilling puzzle that keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
* The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner: A classic series following four orphaned children who live in a boxcar and solve mysteries.
* The Hardy Boys by Franklin W. Dixon: A series featuring two teenage brothers who use their detective skills to solve crimes.
Historical Fiction:
* Number the Stars by Lois Lowry: A story set during World War II, following a young girl who helps her Jewish friend escape the Nazi occupation of Denmark.
* The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis: A family road trip from Flint, Michigan to Birmingham, Alabama during the Civil Rights movement.
* Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor: A powerful story about a family struggling with racism in the American South during the 1930s.
* The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: A story narrated by Death during World War II, focusing on a young girl who steals books to survive and find solace.
Realistic Fiction:
* The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate: A gorilla living in a shopping mall learns about friendship, family, and the power of love.
* Wonder by R.J. Palacio: A heartwarming story about a boy with facial differences who navigates the challenges of middle school and finds acceptance.
* The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: A powerful and timely story about a teenage girl who witnesses the fatal shooting of her best friend by a police officer.
* Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson: A beautiful story about the childhood friendship and imagination of two children who create a magical world in the woods.
Other Considerations:
* Reading level: Check the reading level for the book before purchasing to ensure it's suitable for the 11-year-old's reading abilities.
* Interests: Consider the child's hobbies and interests when choosing a book. Does he/she love animals? History? Sports?
* Reviews and recommendations: Check out reviews and recommendations from other parents and teachers.
This list provides a starting point for finding great books for 11-year-olds. It's important to encourage reading and find books that spark their imagination and inspire a love for reading.