The Circuit (Graphic Novel Edition) by Francisco Jiménez, adapted by Andrew J. Rostan and Illustrated by Celia Jacobs

This story begins in the late 1940s with a Mexican family dreaming of going to California to find work and a better life. Francisco's family finally does cross the border and his childhood is spent moving from camp to camp, picking cotton and grapes and strawberries in the hot sun. At first young Francisco takes care of his baby brother in the backseat of a car while the family picks cotton, but soon he is old enough to work in the fields. But what he dreams of is staying in one place so he can learn to read and learn English. It is heartbreaking to see him pulled out of school each year, but he does learn to read and write and we know he will grow up to be an acclaimed writer. This graphic novel adaptation of Francisco Jiménez's original memoir is perfect for middle and high schoolers. There is drama and adventure, but it is mainly a story of family and hardship and a boy who dreams of a better future. The ending is unresolved, but students could read Jiménez's other memoirs to find out more of his story. The Circuit is highly recommended, both for pleasure reading and for nonfiction or memoir units. 
 

Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier

Nan Sparrow sweeps out chimneys in London. The year is 1875, and ever since her caretaker, Sweep, disappeared, she has been an indentured servant for a cruel man who puts children to work with no regard for their safety. In a terrifying and mystical turn of events, a lump of char from her pocket comes to life and saves Nan from death in a chimney. From that point on, Charlie, who is actually a golem, and Nan, become an inseparable pair, even though Nan learns that for a golem there will be no good end. Like many classic children's books, this is a story of deep love and friendship, sacrifice, and saying goodbye. The historical facts about chimney sweeps, child labor, and Judaism, are seamlessly woven in, and readers will empathize with the sweeps and be horrified that middle and upper class people so easily watched the children suffer and even die to keep their houses from catching fire. I loved the history and the mysteries that are woven in, but mostly I loved the bond between Nan and Charlie, which you find out in a touching author's note was inspired by E.B. White's Charlotte's Web. I was entranced by this book and recommend it to readers of all ages--not just young people. It is a gem.