Our DS was an early reader, got straight A's all through elementary and middle school and is now an A student at one of the top boarding schools in the country. We never pushed him too hard academically because he was a bit immature emotionally, but in middle school he told us he wanted to be challenged more in school. Now that he is, he's rising to the challenge.

DS is now in 1st grade, and reading on ~3rd grade level. If you were to see DS while he's reading, you'd never guess he has ADHD - so still & focused! Books have been a blessing for us.

We focus on classics too. I'd rather explain anachronisms than teen love stories. In addition to some that were already mentioned, CS Lewis, EB White, Marguerite Henry (on a horse kick right now...), Madeline L'Engle. Also tons of non-fiction (go to your public library).

FWIW, DS is at a MoCo public school and they have just changed the way homework is assigned. We LOVE it! Notice goes out once a week with ~10-12 options. Child needs to do 8 of them (each very, very do-able within 10-15 mins. independent of parent supervision, ie. look at a magazine article and pick out the prepositions, or web-based arithmetic puzzle games, etc.) over the course of the week, including the weekend. Parents just initial to check off what was done and send the sheet back in on the designated day. The choice and flexibility has really helped. There's plenty of time for free reading, or whatever else.

Not the same poster

But if you are looking for classics think

Peter Pan
Sherlock Holmes
3 Musketeers
Jules Verne- 80 days around the world/ whatever number of leagues below the sea
Treasure Island
Susan Cooper

Nancy Perl wrote a great book called Book Crush that is also a great guide for books for Middle and YA readers.

Finally do non-fiction. There are amazing books being written that provide a lot of engagement. If you have a topic you are interested in use Amazon and find a book and then look at what other's have bought. You will find a treasure trove of recommendations that way.

Even more crazy go to the library they can connect you to all kinds of great books.

8:14, what classics? Would love to know as I have a DS who is devouring all the Dahl, Cleary, Konigsburg books, etc but I am having a brain fart on what I should suggest for next books.

OP, other than being thrilled that your DC has cleared a very, very important developmental step, I would chill. Early reading is not necessarily a prediction of future success. One of my DCs did not really start reading until 1st grade, but is now plowing through 200-500 page books. The other DC read in preschool, is a strong reader, but not all that passionate about it (yet is a fabulous student).

Encourage, but don't pressure. Reading is such a gift - make sure DD will treasure it forever.

I have a coworker who was very early reader much like many folks have described. She said her biggest problem was that she just did not have to work that hard to do well in any class so finding internal motivation became very important. Also when it is so easy, and it suddenly becomes difficult this can trip kids up so figuring out that slope may become one of the more important things a parent can provide.

Spoke first word at 4 months, spoke in articulate sentences by 12 months, reading at age 3, chapter books at age 4. Currently 13yo, in mainstream 8th grade in AM, differentiated for PM where he takes online classes via either CTY or EPGY with full support and blessing of school. Stanford Binet 162, very happy and social kid who is the life of the party. Child was never pushed or hot-housed. I did have to hire a math tutor as he has exceeded my capabilities to provide him with any help. OP, if your kid does turn out to be exceptionally smart just remember (because often folks do not know...) it is a measure of aptitude and much learning is not innate. For example, my son had to sit down and learn how to punctuate a sentence. Just because he learned it quickly, he still had to learn it.

screeching to a halt.

I too started reading at 4 and also started 1st grade at 4 in a very not progressive state. I was not the only reader so we had a group of readers (5 kids of the 30) who did different work than the others.

DC-area schools don't allow for this?

FWIW, I've always loved school, work, reading, worksheets, text books, science projects, ect. so there was no stress or burn out but I wasn't in an area like this.

AAP student, straight As.