Our local papershop used to sell abridged versions of the classics. I used to save up my pocket money and buy them when I could. The 'papershop man', Mr Edwards, would also order them for me. So, it was, Black Beauty, Heidi, Treasure Island, Little Women, Jo's Boys, Lorna Doone etc. I still have a couple of them.
Also used the library and was an avid reader of Norse, Irish, Scottish myths and legends. Also loved science experiment books. Wanted to be a scientist. Not a scientist but still an avid reader.