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.

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.

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

Sharon G. Flake

Middle grade

Novel

The Skin I'm In

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Skin I'm In and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Skin I'm In Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

The Skin I'm In Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-12

The Skin I'm In Chapters 7-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-18

The Skin I'm In Chapters 13-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-22

The Skin I'm In Chapters 19-22 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 23-27

The Skin I'm In Chapters 23-27 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 28-32

The Skin I'm In Chapters 28-32 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Skin I'm In Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Skin I'm In Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Skin I'm In Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Skin I'm In Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Skin I'm In Essay Topics

The Skin I'm In

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Skin I'm In?

Reading Age

Book Details