I'm completely exhausted and too incoherent to write well about this book, but I wanted to leave myself a quick note before my thoughts about it are lost. I really was impressed by the writing and the frank, non-sugarcoated look at the hellish experience of being at the mercy of other kids' jealousy and insecurities. Maleeka is a strong and smart narrator who I was interested in from the first page. Her voice is loud and clear and you can tell she will have a lot of interesting things to say. ( )

I'm not part of the target audience for this novel, so the plot wasn't challenging or surprising, but I enjoyed the author's voice and Maleeka's personal growth, and in particular I enjoyed all the flawed adults. ( )

Maleeka is tired of being teased because her skin is so dark, but when a new teacher arrives at school that has a white patch on her face, Maleeka thinks maybe Ms. Saunders has it worse than she does. As she tries to navigate school, Maleeka hides behind a popular girl, remaining her friend by doing her homework and borrowing her clothes. Slowly, though, under the influence of Ms. Sanders, Maleeka starts to see that she has worth when she finds courage enough to get a more natural hairstyle and begins writing a fictional diary of a girl that has been captured into slavery, making her way in a ship across the Atlantic. However, Maleeka's problems get worse before they get better.

The Skin I'm In is a very timely novel even though it was written more than 20 years ago. The issues that the characters face in this book are not only include dealing with race but also with just being a kid in middle school. The slave girl's diary entries that Maleeka writes are not only insightful, but they also mirror the feelings and experiences that most affect Maleeka in the present. Overall, The Skin I'm In is a serious story that reflects serious issues. ( )

The main character in his story is Maleeka who is in seventh grade. She endures discrimination and bullying both for her dark skin color and her shabby clothing sewn together by her mother. Maleeka's teacher in this story is portrayed as someone who could both sympathize and identify with Maleeka. This book gives strong lessons about overcoming discrimination and personal struggles, fitting in your own skin with confidence, and the importance of the acceptance of yourself and others. This book is a perfect fit for any middle grade classroom. I absolutely love this book, five out of five stars. ( )

A book focused on loving yourself, being true to you, and never allowing someone else to define you! ( )