Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

This is one of Dickens's gems.  It is still very wordy and descriptive (after all, it Dickens!).  It is actually written at a more challenging level than most of Dickens's books, so it isn't the best for younger readers unless they're reading at 12th grade level.  This seems counterintuitive, since the subject matter is actually ideal for young Dickens' fans, but it is better read aloud by someone with more ability.  The story is about a young orphan boy who lives in the workhouse and is then placed with an undertaker.  He escapes to London and becomes involved with a street gang of criminals, all of whom are children and meets the adult criminal trainer who teaches them their skills.  As is usual for Dickens, it is largely a social commentary with dark humor and satire.  It is a great read, but it does take a great deal of time as well.