Top Ten Tuesdays (#1): Books I'd Recommend to My Future Kid

Top Ten Tuesdays is a weekly blog meme hosted by The Broke and Bookish that allows readers to share their lists and opinions on a number of subjects from their top ten book covers to their top ten villains.

This week's topic for November 19th is Top Ten Books I'd Recommend To X Person. Specifically, I'm going to make this a list for the Top Ten Books I'd Recommend To My Future Child. There are some books that have shaped my entire childhood and have taught me the joy of reading, and there are a few books I wish I  read earlier in my life as I feel like I'd have appreciated more then. These are the books that I'd like to pass on my children if given the opportunity.

Top Ten Books I'd Recommend To My Future Child

In no particular order:

1. Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling The most obvious and common choice, but how can I not include it on this list when it's the series that made me love reading in the first place?
2. Artemis Fowl (Series) by Eoin Colfer
   Although not as popular, this was the series I fell in love with after being introduced to Harry Potter.
3. Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Series) by Rick Riordan 
   Another popular children/young adult series, but I figure it'd be a great way to introduce my kid about Greek mythology. After all, if the school curriculum stays the same, they'll most likely encounter The Iliad or The Odyssey at least once in high school.
4. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
   What would you do if you could "read" fictional character into real life? Imagine the possibilities. I think it'd a be great book to motivate an imaginative kid to read more.
5. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland... by Catherynne M. Valente
   A cute, whimsical book. I wish I had discovered this book in my own childhood.
6. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
   Although a little on the more serious side, I think everyone should try to read this book at least once.
7. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
   Of all the school-required books that my future kid will have to endure, I hope she enjoys this one as it's my favorite and teaches a lot of good lessons.
8. Protector of the Small (Series) by Tamora Pierce
   I'd actually recommend all of Tamora Pierce's books featuring kick-ass women. These books defined my teenage years.
9. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell If my imaginary future teenager were to ever get into a fandom, I can already imagine the insecurities and concerns they may have in loving something that may be embarrassed in sharing with others, just like I have had. It'd be awkward to talk to them about them directly, but I hope this book could help them in some way.
10. The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson
    Another fun young adult adventure, but I also like one of the messages in the book. In a world surrounded by magic, just because you may not have magic yourself doesn't mean you can't do great things. Think Monster's University: it's okay to be OK.

Near the end there, I fear I might've started skewing my recommendations only for a daughter, but how much does gender matter when you're recommending a book to someone? What books would you recommend to your child, whether they're a boy or good? Or just recommendations in general? Please share in the comments below.