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.