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48 pages 1 hour read

Sharon G. Flake

The Skin I'm In

Sharon G. FlakeFiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1998

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Book Brief

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Sharon G. Flake

The Skin I'm In

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Urban school • 1990s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

670L

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Super Short Summary

The Skin I'm In is a middle-grade novel by Sharon G. Flake that follows 13-year-old Maleeka Madison III as she navigates bullying due to her dark complexion and socioeconomic status. With guidance from her unconventional English teacher, Miss Saunders, Maleeka hones her creative writing skills and learns self-love amid challenges involving peer relationships, personal loss, and self-acceptance. The novel addresses themes of bullying, poverty, grief, and beauty standards.

Emotional

Challenging

Inspirational

Contemplative

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.5

18,495 ratings

79%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Skin I'm In by Sharon G. Flake has been praised for its authentic portrayal of self-acceptance and the challenges of adolescence through the eyes of an African American girl. Readers commend the relatable protagonist and impactful narrative. Some critics, however, argue the plot can be predictable. Overall, the book is lauded for its emotional depth and important social themes.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Skin I'm In?

Potential readers who would enjoy The Skin I'm In by Sharon G. Flake are typically young adults or middle school students who appreciate stories about self-acceptance, bullying, and resilience. Fans of Alice Walker's The Color Purple or Jacqueline Woodson’s Brown Girl Dreaming may find similar themes and emotional depth in this poignant novel.

4.5

18,495 ratings

79%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Urban school • 1990s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

670L

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