The Little White Horse, by Elizabeth Goudge

Even though this book was written in 1942, I had never read it until I discovered it at a used book sale this summer. The language Elizabeth Goudge uses drew me in to a fantasy world described in perfect detail.
Thirteen year old Maria Merriwether travels with her governess in Victorian England to Moonacre Manor, the home of her great-uncle Ben. She is delighted with her new home and her perfect tower bedroom with a small door just her size.  But mysteries and secrets abound: Who lays out her wonderful clothes each morning? What kind of dog is Wrolf, and is he ferocious or tame? Who are the Men of the Black Wood and why do they do such evil things? Maria meets many unusual characters and animals in the book, and they all help her fulfill her destiny as the next Moon Princess.
This book will probably not appeal to all children; there is a lot of description and the writing is slightly old-fashioned, but some children and adults may certainly want to try it out. I did read on the internet that a movie has been made from the book, The Secret of Moonacre.

Leepike Ridge, by N.D. Wilson

Eleven-year-old Tom, whose father has been dead three years, overhears a proposal of marriage to his mom. He sneaks out of the house at night to think things over and sees the styrofoam packing from the new refrigerator by the stream. Hmm...will it float? Not only will it float, but he can use it for a raft, and thus begins his adventures. He is swept away to an underground cave, where he meets ...oh, I won't spoil it for you! Let me just say there are treasures, bodies, villains, and a hero involved. Meanwhile, his mother is facing troubles of her own. She also encounters villains and an unlikely hero. This is a very well-written, entertaining book for both boys and girls.
Caution: Quite a bit of violence.