Stephanie Dawkins- The Skin I'm In

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“The Skin I'm In” is a powerful young adult novel that expresses the life of a young African American girl who deals with poverty, bullying, and low self-esteem. It was an amazing book and I loved every minute of it. I would think that the book would be very beneficial in a high school classroom. It was very relatable for me and can be very relatable for other adolescents. Sharon Flake is an amazing author and not only allows her readers insight on life as a student but also as a teacher who is not well favored in the school. Readers can see that teachers are not only there to teach and be “strict” on the kids, they are also there to be advocates in children’s lives. However, many students in the book and in everyday society do not turn to teachers when they need some type of support, they feel that by going to the teacher they will be labeled as a snitch, or that they would get in trouble if they told anything that happened. But that is not always the case. Maleeka realizes this before it is too late.
Throughout the novel, Maleeka is faced with constant demands from her bully and is left to decide if she will do or not knowing that there will be extreme consequences if she does not.  She doesn’t know what to do or how to go about certain situations. Gratefully, she realizes that she needs to tell the truth and trust in herself that her life is just as important as anyone else. She makes a turn for the better and has found herself through many obstacles in her life.
The novel would be an amazing read for many adolescents and will allow them to connect to the protagonist if they are going through similar situations in their lives. It will provide them with answers to better their situation or at least makes them realize that they are not the only one going through these things.


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