The Skin I'm In by Sharon G. Flake is an excellent read for adolescent/middle school aged children.  The story is about a seventh grade African American student named Maleeka.  She is dealing with pressures from peers to fit in during the trials of adolescent years, being raised by her mother, she is scrutinized daily for wearing clothes her mother sews for her.  Maleeka knows she deserves to be treated better but doesn’t know how to require respect from her peers. Until, a new teacher at her school Miss Saunders tries to get Maleeka to see what a beautiful person she is inside and out. Maleeka is resistant to Miss Saunders efforts and feels she is intruding on her personal life. This book follows Maleeka Madison through very tough times in developing self worth through many hardships as she learns to see herself in a new way.  I feel middle school is such a difficult transitional age for children and students would be able to relate to this book.  You should check it out and recommend it for your class.