I teach 7th grade Civics and Geography.  I already use Blood on the River by Elisa Carbone in the first semester of school.  I am looking for a trade book to teach in the second semester of school.  I would love something that would teach them about the culture and conflicts of the Middle East.  I would prefer fiction with teenage characters.  Does anyone have any ideas?  The Kite Runner is probably too mature for my student population.  Thanks in advance for your ideas!

My daughter is in 9th and last year read A Shingle Shard and said it was really good! Don't know if that'll work or not... I STARTED the Kite Runner and STOPPED reading it because I didn't like the road it was going down...I understand that it'd be too mature.

Maybe "Breadwinner" by: Deborah Ellis

I plan to check out Breadwinner.  Thanks!  Keep the suggestions coming!

Other topics we study:

founding of United States/founding documents

juvenile law

immigration

how people adapt to their environment/dealing with natural disasters