I was an advanced reader, and my mother was forever getting mad at me for checking out the Babysitter Club books from the library. They were age-appropriate! But she wanted me to read bigger, more advanced works since I was capable of reading and understanding the bigger words. Honestly, though, I think even half the books I read in high school were books I was way too young for. I'd get a lot more out of Madame Bovary now that I've got a failed marriage behind me.
I devoured those books as a child. Was obsessed! Part of me wishes there were a series where the characters are a bit older so I can see them grow. Haha.
The funny thing (to me, anyway) is that despite loving those books, I don't really like reading anything contemporary unless it's humorous or has like mystery in it. o.o
And although I love fantasy, I realize that I also like drama, lols.
Magical realism... I want to read more books like that, and maybe I'll have an idea for what to write about soon!