Oh, I loved the Garth Nix's Abhorsen series (http://www.amazon.com/Abhorsen-Trilogy-Box-Set/dp/0060734191/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233864585&sr=1-2). And Susan Cooper's The Dark Is Rising series. And the Black Caldron series. Holly Black has some great YA urban fantasy stuff (although there's a theme of disaffected teens with shitty parents, so YMMV on how much that bothers you...)

I absolutely *adored* Tamora Pierce's Alanna series (which is where I got the pseudonym I use today!). Of this set of recommendations, can I just say that the Abhorsen trilogy and Tamora Pierce's series both feature female protagonists who are strong, independent, and in unusual leadership roles. Highly recommended.