Why We Fly by Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal

This is the story of two high school cheerleaders who are chasing a national championship. Chanel and Eleanor have been best friends for years, but the events of senior year are going to test their friendship and bring them adult challenges. Eleanor, who is white, is recovering from a serious concussion and starting a relationship with a star football player. Chanel, who is Black, is driven to achieve and makes some poor decisions when dealing with pressure. The pressure mounts when the entire cheer team takes a knee during the national anthem to protest racism. At first the cheer team has support and others join in the protest, but as time goes on, the school cracks down on the students and it becomes harder to see how to turn a single protest into meaningful action for racial justice. It's a realistic look at how complicated it can be to stand up for social change. Recommended for 8th grade-up. 

Piece by Piece: The Story of Nisrin's Hijab by Priya Huq

 

Nisrin, an 8th grader who does not usually wear traditional dress from Bangladesh, is the victim of a hate crime while wearing a head scarf. After a summer of therapy, she is ready to start high school, and makes the decision to wear the hijab every day. It is not a decision that is welcomed by her family, but she perseveres and faces discrimination at school and questions at home about her decision. The year is 2002 and she is living in Oregon, and she has a lot to learn about her own family and culture, as well as how to navigate high school as a person who charts her own course. It's an engaging story with a lot to think about and learn about. This graphic novel is highly recommended for middle school libraries.

The Da Vinci Code (adapted for young adults) by Da Brown

 

The Da Vince Code (adapted for young adults) tells the same story as the adult novel--an exciting, puzzling thriller involving ancient symbols, secret societies, and Biblical secrets. I've read the book several times and every time I'm caught up in the puzzles and the twists and turns. This YA version is 400 pages, and while they did make cuts, it still captures the full sweep of the story of Robert Langdon and Sophie Neveu as they find the clues left behind by Sophie's grandfather after being murdered at the Louvre Museum. This book isn't about characterization and fine writing--it's pure action, puzzles, and intrigue. It starts off strong and can hook young readers. I have found this to be a great intro to adult fiction and Dan Brown's other work for 8th graders who are good readers.  

The Superteacher Project by Gordon Korman

Mr. Aidact, a new teacher at Brightling Middle School, at first seems a little strange, but as the year goes by he becomes the most popular teacher in the school. He coaches the field hockey team, he covers detention every afternoon, he can answer any trivia question correctly, and he can stop any spitball from flying. Oliver and Nathan, famously good at pranks, decide to find out more about their new teacher and they uncover a secret that they're not sure they want to let out. I don't want to spoil the whole book in this review, so that's all I'll say about Mr. Aidact. Just know that this is a classic Gordon Korman book. Kids get put into a strange situation and they triumph with humor and heart. I think middle schoolers will like this book, but it skews younger, so definitely good for elementary schoolers as well. Thank you Gordon Korman for all your many books that bring so much pleasure to middle schoolers!