If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson

Both Elisha (Ellie) and Jeremiah (Miah) attend Percy Academy, a private school where neither quite fits in. Ellie is wrestling with family demons, and Miah is one of the few African American students. The two of them find each other, and fall in love -- but they are hesitant to share their newfound happiness with their friends and families, who will not understand. At the end, life makes the brutal choice for them: Jeremiah is shot and killed, and Ellie now has to cope with the consequences..

"If You Come Softly" is about two sophomore students who attend a private, prestigious school in Manhatten, NY. Jeremiah is a young black male and Ellie is a white, Jewish girl. When the two bump into each other in the hallway it is love at first sight. Their connection is undeniable. The two must find a way to build a relationship while fighting against the prejudice and racism which strives to drive them apart. The book is a quick read and would appeal to apprehensive readers. This would also be a great book for any African American students, even boys, Jeremiah plays basketball and there are lots of sports descriptions. There is nothing inappropriate in this book, so it would be great for any age in middle school.  This book can be found in Mrs. Brown's classroom library.