With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

Emoni is a teen mother who is raising her daughter while living with her abuela. Emoni works a part-time job, takes care of her daughter, and dreams of being a chef with her own restaurant. She's a patient mother, a devoted granddaughter, and a little bit afraid to dream too much for herself. When a culinary arts class opens up at her school with the opportunity to study cooking in Spain, the reader knows she needs to make the most of the opportunity. Of course, obstacles appear and Emoni does not have smooth sailing. A new boy, Malachi, moves in and takes an interest in her. He is almost too good to be true, but Emoni deserves a good relationship with someone who cares about her. It's a hopeful story, and one that's in high demand at my school right now. Elizabeth Acevedo is definitely an author to watch.

Hope and Other Punch Lines by Julie Buxbaum

This romance intertwined with history and tragedy will be welcomed by middle school readers. Abbi, also known as Baby Hope, has lived her whole life as a symbol of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. She's now a teenager who wants to just be her anonymous self while working as a summer camp counselor. Noah Stern, whose life was also upended by 9/11, is thrilled to meet Abbi and enlist her help in delving into the famous photograph that she is running from. He's an aspiring comedian and they connect despite Abbi's best efforts to avoid him. This book will be enjoyed by readers of all ages who like romances and characters who grow and overcome challenges.

The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman

This story about two sisters who flee an abusive home and live on the streets in a city in India will be eye-opening and hopeful for young readers. Viji and Rukku are the sisters, and although Rukku is a year older, Viji has always watched over her due to her developmental disability. The girls find a home on a bridge with two boys and the four children become a family. They pick through garbage dumps, adopt a dog, run from threatening people, and face illness and despair. The book is written in second person--as a letter from Viji to Rukku. Highly recommended for readers from 4th-7th grades and for anyone teaching about human rights and global perspectives.