My Year in the Middle

My Year in the Middle is a powerful chapter book set in 1970 Alabama, exploring themes of friendship, identity, and social justice through the eyes of Lu, an Argentine immigrant. As Lu navigates a newly integrated middle school, she faces racial prejudice and social cliques, but her talent for running track helps her forge an unlikely friendship. This book offers a nuanced look at the Civil Rights era, providing a relatable entry point for young readers to understand historical segregation and the importance of standing up for what is right. It's an excellent choice for discussions on empathy, courage, and finding your place.