"Harriet the Spy," by Louise Fitzhugh (1964). Harriet became a reporter. I became a reporter.

"Ramona Quimby, Age 8," by Beverly Cleary (1981). Ramona is like the honey badger. I mean, she squeezed an entire tube of toothpaste into the sink.

"The House With a Clock in Its Walls," John Bellairs (1973). So scary I once threw it down the laundry chute. Bonus: Illustrated by Edward Gorey.