Another Children's Book that Focuses on a Social Issue

Olive's Ocean is a 2004 Newbery Honor winner that attempts to answer the question, "What was it like for authors growing up?"  The books follows 8-year-old Martha during her summer with her grandmother, Godbee, in Wisconsin on the Atlantic Ocean.  Prior to her trip, she received a journal from of the mother of a classmate that had recently died.  Martha read that they had a lot in common and regretted that she wasn't nicer to her because they could have been great friends.  With this on her mind, Martha spends the summer with Godbee sharing secrets.  Martha develops a crush on the boy next door, Jimmy, and when he finally kisses her, she learns that it was just for a bet and feels heartbroken.  At the end of the summer, Martha learns that Jimmy's younger brother Tate, who is her age, likes her.  She returns home with some water from the Atlantic Ocean for Olive who loved the ocean and she begins to move on. 
Olive's Ocean is sometimes controversial because some believe that it is inappropriate for the intended audience of middle grade students.  But I think Olive's Ocean captures the emotions of middle school aged students during an awkward phase.  In the story, this is the first time Martha deals with the loss of someone she knew and regrets that she didn't know her better.  Furthermore, she learns that her grandmother is becoming weak in her old age.  These feelings are new to her and to most middle school aged students.  It's also realistic that Martha develops a crush on an older boy that turns out to be someone she didn't like.  There are some inappropriate terms, but they are realistic to how students speak. 
Olive's Ocean is an opportunity to discuss serious social issues in the classroom.  When I read it in the classroom, many male students admitted to enjoying the book.  There might be some gender bias when encountering the book in the classroom, but I think it's an all around enjoyable book when it's given the chance.  I think many students Martha's age can relate to her.  It's a book that I think should be read it the classroom rather than ignored because it's can be a good opportunity to discuss serious social issues.