The Dark is Rising, by Susan Cooper

(0689303173)
Yes, as I've noted, this was recommended by my 11-year-old who received it as a gift from my niece (his oldest cousin). Got that?

It is good, but we both have a bone to pick with my niece: this is Book 2 of the series!!

So anyway, it follows Will, an 11-year-old who is actually an Old One similar to a sort of Druidic quasi-religious nature-duality. A bit woo-woo there. Sounds shady and dumb, but in spite of the fact that it was published when I was 10ish (ahem), it wears well. Sort of Harry Potter-ish in the sense that there is plenty of magic around, but less dependent on visual imagery and more thought-provoking.

I suppose we will be reading the rest of the series. Thanks Anne!