I Capture the castle by Dodie Smith

Although this can be classed as an older child's book as it says in the introduction of my copy :-

"It's charm defies classification into reader groups; I read it aloud to my daughters before their teens ,but also gave it to several men of sixty or more, who were astonished to find themselves beguiled by the sharp wit and perception of Cassandra. I have never met a reader who wanted it the story to end" (Valerie Grove) 

It's hard to sum up why this book has been a favourite of mine for over 20 years...it's just  so eccentric and warm and optimistic.

I suppose one of it's central themes that is so appealing is that all of the characters are exploring being true to themselves, without being too swayed by outside influences, and working out what they really need to be happy. 

The best screen adaptation is the 2002 film with Romola Garai and Tara Fitzgerald.

JK Rowling named this book as the influential book of her youth.

Dodie Smith wrote this story (narrated by a 17 year old ) when she was actually 52 and living in California and homesick for England.