If you actually want literature, my favorite book as a child was Where the Red Fern Grows. If they are around 14+ there are some great, captivating Hemmingway books. A Farewell to Arms, Island in the Stream, A Movable Feast, and The Garden of Eden (In that order).
I keeping editing as I think of new things. This may sound odd, but if they are in the 14+ range, How to Win Friends and Influence People is great. It changed a lot for me.
When I was like 9 I got the book How to be Twice as Smart and it taught me a ton of mental tricks.
This book taught me a lot (probably if the boy is like 10 or 12+?)
I keeping editing as I think of new things. This may sound odd, but if they are in the 14+ range, How to Win Friends and Influence People is great. It changed a lot for me.
When I was like 9 I got the book How to be Twice as Smart and it taught me a ton of mental tricks.
This book taught me a lot (probably if the boy is like 10 or 12+?)
http://www.amazon.com/Backyard-Ballistics-Cannons-Cincinnati...