Grade Level: Middle School
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Stream
Two 8th graders are sent to spend a technology-free summer with family in Mexico, after their school uncovers a catfishing incident. Celi and Elio are introduced to herbal remedies and helping the local community reinforce a riverbank to prevent flooding. With current concerns about AI and student digital safety, Stream is a timely selection for…
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Together We See
Told from multiple points of view, Together We See follows Ulá Dominguez, a Bribri-American teenager, searching for the truth behind her land-activist father’s mysterious death on their Native territory in Costa Rica. Ulá and her brother, Kabék, uncover secrets and corruption as they expose illegal loggers, kidnappers, settlers, and the local government in the hunt…
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When the World Was Happy
CheChe knows that he and his twin sister Emma lead an unusual life. They enjoy spending time with their parents and grandparents, love to read, and don’t have a huge circle of friends. They’re happy. Then, just a few months after they turn seventeen, three gunmen show up at their El Paso, Texas, high school,…
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TeachAAPI x Culture Kids – Wayfinding: Where Are We? Where Are We Headed?
Set sail with TeachAAPI’s new lesson in collaboration with Culture Kids, exploring Hōkūleʻa and the rich tradition of Polynesian wayfinding. Paired with a companion podcast episode, this all-grade-level lesson traces the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s founding through its voyages today, highlighting themes of community, care, and cultural preservation. Through age-appropriate discussions centered on the question “Where…
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A Match Made in Mehendi
Simi and her gay friend Noah have decided that sophomore year is going to be their time to shine. Simi thinks a matchmaking app might help them standout, but it doesn’t work quite the way she hoped. Because of the app, her mother and aunt are convinced that she has the familiy’s matchmaking gift. Does…
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Lily Xiao Speaks Out
A novel about Taiwanese American identity and fighting for ESL support for students. Middle schooler Lily is struggling in school because English is not her first language. She wants to speak to the school about providing an ESL program, but her parents are worried this will adversly effect their desire to be US citizens.
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Front Desk: The Graphic Novel
Mia wants to be a writer, but her mom thinks she should focus on math. Mia’s courage, kindness, and hard work will help her get through this school year.
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It’s Only a Game
In this fast past murder mystery, an online gaming team is offered a tour of their favorite game company. When the president of the company dies, Marina and her friends are framed for the murder. The characters in this exciting tale includes LGBTQ+ characters.
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The Best at It
A Book about a gay Indian-American boy dealing with middle school anxiety and learning how to live his truth sends a positive message to young readers about choosing self-acceptance.
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Opting Out
It’s seventh grade and Saachi, who has always enjoyed creating fantasy worlds with her best friend, is surprised to find out that her friend is suddenly really interested in boys. Saachi doesn’t love all the ways her body is changing. What if she doesn’t feel like a girl, or a boy?
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Nikhil Out Loud
Nikhil’s fame as a voice actor lands him the lead in the school musical, but he’s worried that people at school will realize he has stage fright. And when a group of angry parents start to protest having an openly gay actor in the starring role he wants to become the make believe character he…
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K-Pop TAP Bite
TeachAAPI has created a K-Pop “Tap Bite” mini-lesson designed for classroom use. Teachers can use this resource to introduce or deepen students’ understanding of the music genre, its cultural significance, and its global impact. It’s a simple way to connect student interests to cultural learning. The deck includes speaker notes to support educators and also…