A.L.
My son preferred individual books.. he's a bit of an advanced reader and enjoyed the following:
Spirit Bear
Witch of Black Bird Pond
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Where the Red Fern Grows <<<< LOVED!!!
Hatchet
Maniac Magee
Cricket in Times Square
Walk Two Moons
Chasing Red Bird
Ruby Holler
Charlotte's Web
Old Yeller (sad but still a good read)
Good luck :)