This is where the table turns and those of you who don't know the kid are in better shape. Almost every happily literate person under the age of 15 is reading a series. To deeply surprise and thrill your giftee, you need to know the series and which volume they need next, keeping up is really hard. The gift giver who doesn't know the child has much more latitude. This is where memory is most important. King of the Wind, From the Mixed Up Files - and The Westing Game are all titles that many kids do not know and will love. If you don't know the kid, go with what you remember. If at all possible, tell the kid why you think the book is good. Talking about books is always good. It is the perfect subject with a youngster you don't know and very edifying, even with adults. There are djins out there (see Jonathan Stroud & P. B. Kerr), there are spies (Alex Rider and the young James Bond), and, oh my Lord, there are vampires everywhere.
Don't be afraid to go to the adult section, especially science fiction/fantasy. If you liked Asimov,
Bradbury, or Jordan so will your giftees. Books are still the best gifts in the world and you do know
more than you think you do.
cheers
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