My favorite book was The Phantom Tollbooth. When I read it in 4th grade, it had a particular meaning. Mostly a kid having a crazy dream. I was required to read it again in a children's lit class in college. I was moved by all the metaphor and symbolism. It was a true play on words. As a teacher, I have had many students inspired to make a difference by the messages hidden in the "silly" symbolism of the story. My favorite quote(slightly paraphrased): "You get to the Island of Conclusions by jumping, and you can only leave it by soaking in the Sea of Knowledge. Unfortunately, most people can swim in the Sea of Knowledge all day and still come up dry." I look forward to reading the books you all recommend.