Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose.  This is a fascinating historical account of Colvin's involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, specifically the Montgomery Bus Boycott.  Almost a year before Rosa Parks famously refused to give up her seat, Claudette Colvin did the same at age 15.  The movement's leaders didn't feel Colvin was the right face for the boycott, but her case - later argued in court - was fundamental to the progress of the cause.  I just loved this young adult biography.  Hoose interviewed Colvin extensively, and her own words appear throughout the text.

The Empathy Exams by Leslie Jamison.  Each essay in this collection examines another facet of or opportunity for empathy.  In the beginning, Jamison discusses her job as a medical actor - one of those people who pretend to have certain illnesses so medical students can practice diagnostics.  Later, she describes her brother's fascination with ultra marathons.  The whole thing tunnels toward understanding human motivation for feeling and communicating pain.  I felt smart while I read this book.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson.  You might have noticed that this book won the National Book Award.  It's a memoir in verse, and it's just gorgeous.  Each poem furthers Woodson's story of growing up and discovering her own power.  I need to read it again, and I probably will.

Here are my next favorites: