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Grade: 8-12
Lexile Level: 670L
GR Level: W
Description: Maleeka Madison, for years, has been teased for her skin color and her handmade clothes. This bullying has caused her to develop a tough exterior. Maleeka's feelings about herself are challenged during her seventh grade year when a new teacher, whose face is disfigured from a skin disease, starts working at her school.
Rationale: I chose this text because the middle school years are when students are constantly being compared and judged by their looks from their peers. This book can teach students the beauty of uniqueness within each individual and accept who they are.

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Grade: 5-7
Lexile Level: 790L
GR Level: V
Description: Thelonius Mitchell is tired of being labeled. He is a special ed student and realizes he is not in the "normal" classroom setting with the "normal" students. People at school always stare at him and keep a watchful eye (mainly because he likes pulling pranks). One day while Thelonius is hanging out with some friends in the neighborhood a gun is discovered. Thelonius and his friends immediately become suspects, but he isn't about to let that label stick.
Rationale: I chose this book because of its realistic entities and the labels peers are quick to make about other students. It shows the injustice of placing the blame on people when there isn't enough evidence, and because of their past or who they are, they automatically become suspects. This is a great, relatable book for students who are the more behavioral struggling students.

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Grade: 6-8
Lexile Level: 740L
GR Level: Z
Description: Thirteen-year-old twins, Jude (girl) and Noah (boy) have always been inseparable. But as they progress into their middle school years, puberty hits and the twins find themselves having more in common than they thought. They start not only competing for more than their parents' attention, but boys as well. When a loss happens in their family, they become even more distant from one another. The story is told from both Jude and Noah's perspectives.
Rationale: I chose this book because it explores the themes of grief, sexuality, and sibling rivalry. These are many themes that adolescents can be able to connect and relate with.

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Yes! We are Latinos by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy

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Yes! We are Latinos by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy

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Grade: 3-6
Lexile Level: 1050L
GR Level: X
Description: This book is a collection of poems that introduces 13 young latinos and Latinas that express their experiences of having diverse cultural, religious, and racial backgrounds in the United States.
Rationale: I chose this text because I like that it is a different form of writing that students can observe apart from the common storyline format. This kind of text could be used as a way for students to be able to dissect and truly understand the experiences and events of Latinos being underrepresented in the U.S..

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Grade: 6-8
Lexile Level: 660L
GR Level: Y
Description: Noah is going through seventh grade trying to figure life out, hoping for a normal year. He's bored of school, the girls confuse him, and even his friends are starting to annoy him. He only feels relaxed when he is in art class, his favorite subject. As the year continues, he notices something off about his older sister, Emma. She had an "eating-problem" in the past that no one ever talked about, and now she is on a very strict food schedule. Could the problem have come back, worse than before?
Rationale: I chose this text for the reality of disorders and family crisis. People never really know what goes on behind closed doors and this book emphasizes the helplessness people, especially adolescents, feel in a crisis like this. This text highlights the importance of speaking up when someone feels like a friend, peer, family member, or even themselves could be in a dangerous situation. Whether it be physical, mental, or emotional.

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Grade: 6-8
Lexile Level: 670L
GR Level: V
Description: When Calliope June moves with her mom once again, she has to start at a new middle school. Starting in the seventh grade at the new School, Calli decides she wants to try and hide her quirks from her Tourette syndrome so that kids don't make fun of her or think she is weird. Calli just wants to be treated normally.  This story is told through poetry and prose, revealing Calli's thoughts and fears.
Rationale: I love this text because it is told from the perspective of someone who has a disability. It shows the feelings and emotions of Calli and how she feels about her Tourettes, and how people view her. This book expresses the theme of inclusion, being the "New Kid," and fear of not making friends. I feel it could impact many students in a positive way as it shine light on the subject of accepting others different than yourself.

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Grade: 5-6
Lexile Level: 460L
GR Level: S
Description: This story takes us on the adventure of a girl named Natalie, who has cancer and is going through chemotherapy. Natalie always wears a knitted cap because she has lost her hair, and comes to school in a wheelchair. The kids at school call her "Bluish" because her skin is tinted blue from the chemo. A girl in Natalie's class, Dreenie is both fascinated and scared of her. She is constantly observing Natalie and slowly, they start becoming friends. Natalie wants to be treated normally like any independent student, but she is very weak and fragile. Dreenie wonders how to act around someone like this.
Rationale: I chose this book because it exemplifies the theme of inclusion in a classroom. We see the perspectives from both Natalie and Dreenie and I think this is significant because it is able to relate to students through Dreenie's point of view, not knowing how to act around someone with an illness and it also allows students to understand how Natalie feels. This can bring real life connections and understanding to students on illnesses and how they should not judge someone with an illness or disability. Treat them with respect.

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Grade: 6-8
Lexile Level: 750L
GR Level: Grade: V
Description: This book takes on a journey through the daily, middle school life of Clea. Clea struggles to stay focused in the classroom, is failing tests, distracted from small sounds, etc. She even struggles focusing outside of school. Clea's parents take her to be tested which is when she finds out she has ADHD. She is frustrated because she does not know how she can fix a problem that is in her head. This book shows us how Clea works on finding a way for her to focus.
Rationale: I chose this book for its theme of being challenged. This text can be connect to many students and show them that when obstacles come your way, having an open mind, being optimistic, and receiving support from loved ones can make all the difference. It shows students that nothing can define you unless you allow it to!

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Grade: 6-8
Lexile Level: 670L
GR Level: V
Description: When Jessica starts seventh grade at St. Catherine's, she causes quite the uproar. Jessica is disfigured from severe burns she suffered from an accident. St. Catherine's is close to the hospital that is treating her which is why she is attending. Through the story we are able to see the different reactions students make towards Jessica and we also see true friendships develop.
Rationale: I chose this book for its theme in adolescent insecurities, friendship, and value of life. These themes are all topics middle school grade students can connect with and relate to. It exemplifies the importance of accepting others for who they are.

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Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos

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Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos

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Grade: 5-6
Lexile Level: 890L
GR Level: T
Description: Joey Pigza is known for his bad choices, disrupting behavior, and lack of paying attention in class. His meds do not work for him and after patience has left his teacher, he is sent to the Special Ed center. Joey knows he is a good kid and means well, but whenever he tries to do the right thing, everything goes wrong. He does not understand why.
Rationale: I chose this novel because it shows the perspective of a student who has hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and shows his feelings through each situation. It brings new light that allows people to understand why Joey thinks the way he does, which can bring relation and connection to people who may know someone who is similar.

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Grade: 5-7
Lexile Level: 790L
GR Level: V
Description: August Pullman has never been a "normal" kid. He was born with a craniofacial abnormality that caused his facial features to be deformed. Since he is going into the 5th grade, the start of middle school, his parents decide to transition him from home school to private school. Everyone will be new, so it was the perfect "fresh start" Auggie needed. Auggie worried with many questions. Would be bullied? Would he make friends? Will people see past his appearance?
Rationale: I chose this novel because it is told in multiple perspectives: August, his sister, his classmates, etc. The sweet story shows us the challenges August and his family face on an every day basis. It shows us how, despite Auggie's appearance, he is just like everybody else. This novel shows how one person's difference can affect the lives of so many.

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One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

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One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

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Grade: 5-7
Lexile Level: 750L
GR Level: W
Description: The story is told from 11-year-old, Delphine. Her mother abandoned her and her 2 younger sisters 7 years ago. During the summer, her dad sent her and her sisters to live in Oakland, CA with their mom, Cecile. While there, Delphine starts uncovering pieces of the past. Cecile wants nothing to do with them either. She gives them Chinese takeout, has strict rules when they're in the house, and has random strangers over with Afros and black berets. Everything changes when Cecile puts the 3 girls into a summer camp that is sponsored by a revolutionary group, the Black Panthers. The girls receive a whole new kind of education and history.
Rationale: I chose this book because it's historical setting and showing what children's lives were like with the early days of the Black Panther Party. This book has no happy ending, rather it just shows the reality the reality these 3 sisters face: responsibility, bravery, and growth. It expresses themes of abandonment, strength, and finding understanding.

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Grade: 7
Lexile Level: 950L
GR Level: U
Description: Based on real events, this story is told from the perspective of 4 different students who live in the city whose lives are forever changed by a math teacher's challenge to build the world's largest tetrahedron. We get to see each student's background and how their growth and attitude changes throughout the novel.
Rationale: I love that this book shows the theme of perseverance and how it does not matter where you come from, anyone can do anything they set their mind to. I feel that students could very much connect and relate to at least one of the characters within the novel as well as their personal backgrounds. This is a great book to show that no matter what challenges you face in life, only you are in charge of what happens to your life.

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Brown Girl Dreaming by Rita Williams-Garcia

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Brown Girl Dreaming by Rita Williams-Garcia

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Grade: 5-7
Lexile Level: 750L
GR Level: W
Description: Jacqueline Woodson tells of her childhood. From living in South Caroline and New York, she shows what life was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s and 70s. It goes through the motions of Jacqueline living with he remnants of Jim Crow laws and developing awareness of the Civil Rights Movement. This book takes us on a journey with Jacqueline as she figures out her place in this world.
Rationale: I chose this text to shine light on the home life Jacqueline had and how she was treated among adults and her peers. There is quite a bit of poetry and I think this would be a good novel to use break down the meanings, tone, and analyze specific words or phrases. I think this would be a great strategy to use so students understand the life of the main character.

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Grade: 6
Lexile Level: 790L
GR Level: S
Description: Joan Lee is a 15-year-old Chinese American living in West Virginia in 1927. This novel tells us about the true accounts Joan and her family experienced when struggling to find acceptance when they moved in a small town in West Virginia. Joan and her siblings can speak English, but her parents cannot. Joan believes that her desires to be accepted and respected mirrors the Chinese legend of the star fisher--a creature that sees with two sets of eyes. Joan sees life as an Asian and as an American.
Rationale: I chose this book because it talks about the life of an Asian American family and the struggles they faced. It is told personally through Joan, who desires to be accepted in her new society. I think many middle school students can relate to that desire of wanting to be accepted. I feel there are not that many books that talk of Asian Americans, so I like that students would be able to learn and experience this cultural background.

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Grade: 6-8
Lexile Level: 790L
GR Level: Z
Description: George knows that when people look at her, they see a boy. But she knows deep down in her heart, she is a girl. George wonders if she will have to keep this secret forever until her teacher announces the class play is going to be "Charlotte's Web." Ecstatic by this, George wants to play Charlotte but her teacher says she cannot try out for the part because she is a boy. George then comes up with a plan with her best friend, Kelly. This plan is not only so she can play Charlotte, but so people can understand who she truly is.
Rationale: I chose this text because it is an emotional, honest story about a trans girl. It emphasizes the important subject that, for many years, people avoided. The LGBTQ community should be valued and discussed in schools. It shows the challenges, sadness, and frustration George feels which are themes that students can relate to George about. This is a very moving book that highlights the importance of being who you want to be.

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Grade: 4-6
Lexile Level: 890L
GR Level: T
Description: Based on a true story, when Robert Hoge was born, he had a tumor the size of a tennis ball in the middle of his face and short, twisted legs. Surgeons removed the tumor and made a new nose with one of his toes. Strangers stared at him, he was called names, and he was essentially outcasted by society. Robert becomes faced with the biggest decision of his life, but he followed his heart.
Rationale: This book provides readers insight to real life events of the author and his struggles. You develop tough skin when you realize people will struggle to accept you just because of what you look like on the outside. Robert decides to take a positive path for his life. He overcomes bullying and knows that his disability does not define who he is. But it does help shape them into who they want to be.

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Grade: 5-7
Lexile Level: 800L
GR Level: Grade: V
Description: Landon Dorch is a seventh grader who has a dream to be on the football team. Landon is deaf and the way he talks is different from others. He faces many obstacles and challenges along the way to get on the team. Receiving support from an unexpected source gives him the courage to stand up to his bullies and fight for his position on the field.
Rationale: This book shows readers how much strength it takes to overcome your bullies and fight for what you want. Despite his differences, Landon does not allow his deafness to stop him from his goals. It shows readers Landon's ultimate journey of courage to change how others see him and accept him for who he is.

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The Whole Story of Half a Girl by Veera Hiranandani 

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The Whole Story of Half a Girl by Veera Hiranandani 

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Grade: 4-6
Lexile Level: 730L
GR Level: X
Description: After her father loses his job, Sonia Nadhamuni, who is half Indian and half Jewish American, finds herself pulled out of her private school and placed into the unfamiliar world of public school. For the first time, Sonia's mixed heritage makes her classmates ask questions. Sometimes Sonia doesn't always know how to answer—as she navigates between a group of popular girls who want her to try out for the cheerleading squad and other students who aren't part of the "in" crowd. While trying to make new friends, Sonia is also struggling with adjusting to her unemployed parent and their new life.
Rationale: This books shows the importance of figuring out who your true friends are. Between juggling family struggles at home and the middle school life of wanting to fit in, this book shows how hard it can be to figure out who you are. This book can relate to many adolescents in different ways: growing up as a mixed interracial individual, and the desire to make friends and be liked.

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Dancing Home by Alma Flor Ada and Gabriel M. Zubizarreta

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Dancing Home by Alma Flor Ada and Gabriel M. Zubizarreta

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Grade: 4-7
Lexile Level: 960L
GR Level: S
Description: Margie is a fifth grader who has tried hard to ignore her Mexican roots and to be American; but when her cousin comes from Mexico to live in California, Margie starts to realize that being Mexican doesn't make her any less American.
Rationale: I chose this text because it shows a child who was ashamed of her culture because of her surrounding peers. This is a sweet, coming of age story that shows a student coming to the realization of the uniqueness of herself because of her heritage and ethnic background. She learns not only traditions and history of her culture, but also how to be proud of it, because it is a part of who she is. I think many students, especially at this age, are able to relate to this concept of avoiding who you are because of the influence of your peers. This text can be a good place to start to have important conversations like this in the classroom of accepting each individual's background and uniqueness.