A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812 by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

This is the book that, after years of thinking I detested history, convinced me I actually love it. Beautifully constructed, each chapter begins with a copy of a page or pages under consideration, followed by a transcription, followed by a carefully constructed picture of some portion of life in the time described. Logically and rigorously put together; a wonderful, wonderful book.

How to Cook Without a Book by Pam Anderson

Cynical about the titles of books, it was a long time after I heard about this before I read it. Then I bought it. Because it really does what the cover says - it teaches you to cook without constant reference to a cookbook. The rhymes at the start of each chapter are probably helpful for some people; what I found most useful, though, was the explanation of what you're doing with each technique. This is one of the books I lend out frequently; I'm only on my second copy, only because I've been luckier about getting it back before people moved than with other books.

Rascal the Dragon by Paul Jennings

This is the first in a series of books that I have found perfect for beginning readers. Repetition in just the right doses; an amusing storyline - in each book; and excellent illustrations.
I especially like this because I find most beginning reader books lack one of those things - repetition is too much or too little, which damages the storyline, and the illustrations tend to be dreadful.
Given that it is my general practice to refuse to read books that I find too boring or inane to my children, it's nice to have something to teach them from that doesn't involve lowering my own standards of reading enjoyment. There is some (mild) potty humor - one of the dragons is named Bomber - so it may be a judgment call - but this is a series we will keep. Difficult to find in the U.S; getting a little easier. I finally gave up and imported the series, since I could only find the first two here. Australian.

Zita the Space Girl by Ben Hatke

This is a book I heard of through the grapevine - and I loved it, loved it, loved it. It seems that where comic books are available, children will read them - I enjoy the format myself, but often the values are less than stellar, even while the color, format, and adventure draw you into the story. This is about a girl with real courage - not just the earth-saving kind, but the "fess up when you're wrong" kind, the "fix it if you did wrong" kind - and the being kind kind. Without sacrificing story. So I loved it. And all the sci-fi, amazing creatures and funny and/or beautiful bits are just cream.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

As a perennial sucker for stories about superheroes or people with special magic or talents, I found this a delightful book about children who are different, good-hearted, and adventurous. Light and sometimes silly, excellent for mid-late elementary on. Not without a truly fearful villain; my favorite part is the interactions of the gifts and personalities of each of the characters.

Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book

I have an entire shelf of cookbooks, and there are several that I use regularly. But this is the book I send my kids to for all those basic recipes I remember and use but don't remember the measurements for. Muffins, biscuits, cakes and pies; breads, roasts, cookies, soups, stews, gravies - if it's a standby, it's almost certainly in here.
Really the most basic and comprehensive of cookbooks. Not essential, but only in the way that a written addition table is not essential - because anyone who cooks regularly will soon know much of this by heart. So, really, fundamental.
Very, very good.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein

Such a classic, there's very little I can add that's useful. That said, I am putting down here what I often forget and wish to remember: First, The Hobbit is a gentler, funnier book - less intense - than Lord of the Rings. As such, it is suitable for a much younger audience (ostensible reading levels notwithstanding). Reading aloud, I've had much success with this book from early elementary on (really - as young as about six or so). The plot is nicely divided out into story-shaped chunks, which makes it just right for bedtime fare - each chapter is largely its own episode, as it were. And - well, it's interesting enough for the whole family. Not something every book, even those good enough to read aloud, can boast.