...by Ursula K. LeGuin is short, sweet, fascinating, and thought provoking. Be careful what you wish for, for in this book a young man finds that his dreams change reality and his first challenge is proving this to his psychiatrist. I would also recommend Ms. LeGuin's 'The Left Hand of Darkness'.
Someone already mentioned 'Out of the Silent Planet' by C.S. Lewis. This thoughtful treatise on religion and mankind is incomplete without the inclusion of it's sequel: 'Perelandra' and the conclusion of the trilogy in: 'That Hideous Strength'
These books are fabulous, and being part of the genre that deals with sociology/philosophy, are never outdated. Personally, I think some of the top picks are dated drug-culture 'discoveries'. They are good, but not as good as other, less widely read books.
I would guess the most important thing is to consider the genre that interests your child
Gadget
Philosphical
Futurist
Then choose from the thousands available in each one. 'Foundation' is a good series, but I know more people that failed to read it than succeeded. Even a bright 13 year wants to get to the point sooner or later...Generally speaking anything with a Hugo or Nebula award is worth reading, and some of the best readings I can recall are Hugo/Nebula short story collections.
The futurist 'classics' tend to be outdated rather quickly, so select new offerings from current authors.
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Someone already mentioned 'Out of the Silent Planet' by C.S. Lewis. This thoughtful treatise on religion and mankind is incomplete without the inclusion of it's sequel:
'Perelandra'
and the conclusion of the trilogy in:
'That Hideous Strength'
These books are fabulous, and being part of the genre that deals with sociology/philosophy, are never outdated. Personally, I think some of the top picks are dated drug-culture 'discoveries'. They are good, but not as good as other, less widely read books.
I would guess the most important thing is to consider the genre that interests your child
Gadget
Philosphical
Futurist
Then choose from the thousands available in each one. 'Foundation' is a good series, but I know more people that failed to read it than succeeded. Even a bright 13 year wants to get to the point sooner or later...Generally speaking anything with a Hugo or Nebula award is worth reading, and some of the best readings I can recall are Hugo/Nebula short story collections.
The futurist 'classics' tend to be outdated rather quickly, so select new offerings from current authors.