Summary
The Skin I'm In is a powerful young adult novel by Sharon G. Flake that tackles important themes of self-esteem, bullying, and racial identity. Published in 1998, this award-winning book has become a staple in many school curriculums and continues to resonate with readers of all ages. The story follows Maleeka Madison, a seventh-grader struggling with self-acceptance due to her dark skin color.
Flake's novel has garnered numerous accolades, including the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent and a place on the New York Public Library's Top Ten Books for the Teen Age list. Its enduring popularity led to the release of an anniversary edition in 2018, two decades after its initial publication. The book's impact extends beyond its pages, inspiring discussions about colorism and self-love in classrooms and communities across the country.
In 2021, Flake published a companion novel titled The Life I'm In, which follows the character of Charlese Jones from the original book. This expansion of the story's universe demonstrates the lasting impact of Flake's work and its continued relevance in today's society.
Plot
The Skin I'm In by Sharon G. Flake follows the story of Maleeka Madison, a seventh-grade African-American girl struggling with self-esteem issues due to her dark skin color. Maleeka faces constant bullying from her classmates, particularly about her appearance and the homemade clothes her mother sews for her. The novel begins with Maleeka's life being disrupted by the arrival of a new English teacher, Miss Saunders, who has a rare skin condition that causes blotches on her face.
As the story progresses, Maleeka finds herself caught between her desire to fit in and the influence of Charlese Jones, a troublemaking classmate who lends Maleeka clothes in exchange for homework help. Maleeka's struggle intensifies as she tries to navigate the complex social dynamics of middle school while dealing with her own insecurities about her appearance.
Throughout the novel, Miss Saunders serves as a role model for Maleeka, demonstrating confidence and self-acceptance despite her own visible skin condition. This relationship becomes pivotal in Maleeka's journey towards self-love and acceptance. Meanwhile, Maleeka also develops a connection with Caleb, a caring classmate who shows interest in her despite the social pressures they face.
As the story reaches its climax, Maleeka is forced to confront her own fears and the negative influences in her life. She ultimately learns to stand up for herself, challenge the bullying she faces, and embrace her own unique beauty. The novel concludes with Maleeka finding the strength to accept and love herself, including the skin she's in.
Themes
Self-acceptance and embracing one's identity
Overcoming bullying and peer pressure
Importance of positive role models
Impact of colorism in the African-American community
Building self-esteem and confidence
Power of education and personal growth
Resilience in the face of adversity
Setting
Set in the late 1990s, The Skin I'm In takes place in an urban American environment, likely a predominantly African-American neighborhood. The story unfolds primarily within the confines of a middle school, where the protagonist, Maleeka Madison, grapples with issues of self-esteem and bullying.
While the exact city is not specified, the novel's themes and characters suggest a setting that could represent many urban areas across the United States during this period. The school serves as the central backdrop for much of the narrative, becoming a microcosm of the larger societal issues the characters face.
Characters
Maleeka Madison: The main protagonist, a seventh-grade African-American girl with dark skin who struggles with self-esteem issues. Maleeka faces bullying due to her appearance and longs for lighter skin. Throughout the novel, she learns to accept and love herself with the help of her new teacher. Maleeka's journey of self-discovery and empowerment forms the core of the story.
Miss Saunders: Maleeka's English teacher who has a rare skin condition, likely vitiligo. She serves as a role model for Maleeka, demonstrating confidence despite her appearance. Miss Saunders challenges Maleeka to see beyond skin color and appreciate her own worth.
Charlese Jones (Char): The antagonist and a troublemaker who bullies Maleeka. Char lends Maleeka clothes in exchange for homework help. She represents the negative influences Maleeka must overcome to find self-acceptance.
Caleb: Maleeka's love interest who is kind and focused on his studies. He doesn't care about others' opinions and shows interest in Maleeka despite his shyness.
Mrs. Madison: Maleeka's mother, who struggles with depression after her husband's death. She sews Maleeka's clothes as a coping mechanism and encourages her daughter's education.
John-John: Maleeka's long-time tormentor who has bullied her since second grade. He represents the persistent negativity Maleeka faces due to her skin color.
Raina and Raise: Known as “the twins,” they are Charlese's sidekicks who support her actions. They contribute to the peer pressure Maleeka experiences.
Quick facts
The book was first published in 1998 by Hyperion Books.
It won the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent.
The main character, Maleeka Madison, is a seventh-grade African-American girl struggling with self-esteem issues due to her dark skin.
The novel addresses themes of colorism, bullying, and self-acceptance.
A 20th anniversary edition of the book was released in October 2018.
The story is considered realistic fiction and is popular in middle school curricula.
Sharon G. Flake published a companion novel, The Life I'm In, in 2021, focusing on the character Charlese Jones.
The book has been recognized on several reading lists, including the New York Public Library's Top Ten Books for the Teen Age.
The character Miss Saunders, Maleeka's teacher, has a skin condition that is likely vitiligo.
The audiobook version is narrated by Sisi Aisha Johnson.
About the Author
Sharon G. Flake is a renowned American author of children's and young adult literature. Born in Philadelphia in 1955, she grew up in an inner-city neighborhood and later earned her bachelor's degree in English from the University of Pittsburgh. Flake's career path took her from working with youth in foster care to a long tenure in public relations at the University of Pittsburgh.
Flake's literary journey began with writing short stories for her daughter. Her debut novel, The Skin I'm In, published in 1998, marked the beginning of a successful writing career. Over the years, she has authored numerous critically acclaimed books, including Money Hungry, Begging for Change, and Bang!. Her work often addresses challenging themes relevant to young readers, such as self-esteem, bullying, and racial identity.
Throughout her career, Flake has received numerous accolades for her contributions to literature. Her awards include the John Steptoe Award for New Talent, two Coretta Scott King Honor Awards, and recognition from prestigious organizations like the New York Public Library and the Anti-Defamation League. Flake's books are widely used in schools across the United States and have become popular among adult readers and book clubs as well.
Currently residing in Pittsburgh, Flake continues to write and engage with her readers. Her most recent work, The Life I'm In, was published in 2021. Beyond her writing, Flake enjoys gardening and reading in her spare time, maintaining a connection to the community that has inspired much of her work.
