<html><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html charset=utf-8"></head><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space;" class="">When working with FUSION Reading, we have often recommended these books to middle schools instead of the Bluford Series just for the reason you state. These have ALL worked extremely well … most middle school kids LOVE them! I am also attaching a list I prepared and have kept updated for the last several years that gives information (Lexile, interest level, and grade level.) I hope it helps. I can definitely vouch these books, though:<div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">So Be It by Sarah Weeks</div><div class="">Parvana’s Journey by Deborah Ellis</div><div class="">The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis</div><div class="">Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelson</div><div class="">Freak the Mighty by Redmond Philbrick</div><div class=""><br class=""></div><div class="">Best,</div><div class="">Sue </div><div class=""></div></body></html>