I'm not sure if this is a good example or not but the book is called Pendragon: The Merchant of Death. This link will let you read the first few pages.
I think it was just around that time that I started in on the Pendragon series (link for book 1 of 10). And of course the Eragon series. I think fantasy captured my imagination best at that time, but obviously every one is different. If you have ideas about his/her interests, we may be able to track down some better options for you. Good luck!
Could it be the Pendragon series?
Garth Nix also wrote the Keys to the Kingdom series.
DJ McHale wrote a "Pendragon" series that is non Arthurian: http://www.amazon.com/Merchant-Death-Pendragon-1/dp/0743437314/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_c