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.

Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol

This is the next graphic novel for kids who love Raina Telgemeier, Victoria Jamieson, and Jennifer Holm's books. It's one miserable summer in the life of the author--a Russian immigrant who struggled to fit in with her American classmates. Vera lives in an apartment, has a mother that cooks Russian foods, and spends her summers at home with her little brother. Vera's classmates have fabulous stories about summer camp and all the activities they participate in. When Vera hears that there is a summer camp for Russian kids, she begs her mother to send her. She can't wait to make lifelong friends and have the summer of her dreams. Unfortunately, summer camp is miserable--the kids are mean, there are no real toilets, and the girls keep losing at capture the flag. Students will empathize with Vera and her struggles--and they will love this book.