I haven't read any of these, which probably accounts for my cheerful disposition most of the time. Follow this link for the explanations [ht MA]. Here's the list:
- 5. The Red Pony by John Steinbeck
- 4. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
- 3. Monster by Walter Dean Myers
- 2. His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman
- 1. A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
I was surprised the bizarre stuff by Maurice Sendak wasn't on the list.
[The link was omitted initially :-( ]