I can't think of any character more iconic than Ebenezer Scrooge. He has even made it to the dictionary!  This book was written by Dickens in 1843 during the Industrial Revolution in England, when urban poverty and child labour were rampant there. The story is about a stingy and grumpy man named Scrooge who hated everything to do with Christmas and was mean to his employees. The night before Christmas, he is visited by the three spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Each one takes him on a visit.  By the end of all the visits, Scrooge is convinced he has to change.  He decides to become more generous.  As a first gesture he sends over a turkey to Bob Cratchit and his family, who are struggling to make ends meet.  He also goes to visit his nephew, who had earlier invited him to a party that he had turned down. At the end of the book Scrooge transforms into a better human being.

I loved this book not only because of the plot, but also because of how beautifully it is written. Dickens writes the characters in a way that makes their traits identifiable in people in everyday life today.  I feel this is what  makes this book so timeless. I recommend it to 13+ as younger kids may find the language a little heavy. Younger children can enjoy the story in the Geronimo Stilton version that I have also reviewed.