I love this thread! So many pleasant memories. My childhood favorites, more or less in order of lasting impact:
Lord of the Rings, which was always part of my life since I heard my father and brother discuss it at length even before I read it at 10. And I've read it over and over again ever since.
Narnia Chronicles, which was recommended by a librarian who understood what made me tick.
A Wrinkle in Time, which made sense to me deep down.
Zenna Henderson's books and stories about the People: The People: No Different Flesh and Pilgrimage: A Book of The People, which I still love for their humanity and spirit.
All of Edward Eager's books, especially Seven Day Magic
Anything by Ray Bradbury
The Brains Benton mysteries -- now THAT's obscure. Anybody else even heard of 'em?
Edit to fix coding.