Comment Re:Try these (Score 1) 1419
You've just recommended everything I was going to
"The Dark is Rising" series is excellent fantasy for younger readers, and while I've not read as many of Alex Garner's stuff, what I did read I enjoyed.
I credit John Wyndham with getting me hooked on sci-fi. I've loved every book of his I've ever got my hands on.
Earthsea is also a good choice because of the style used - it feels very gentle and friendly.
I wouldn't recommend Neuromancer - I found it depressing and bleak, and the actions of the protaganist are not the sort of behaviour I'd want recommended to any child of mine.
To add something original, can I recommend "The Spiral Series" by Michael Scott Rohan? Followed, naturally, by his "Winter of the World" series (the original trilogy at least). Possibly a little darker and mature than the other recommendations, but anybody whose age is in double-digits should be able to cope with the content with no problem.