Reader Response to The Skin I'm In by Sharon G. Flake
Back cover reads:
"The first time I seen her, I got a bad feeling inside... So begins the story of Maleeka Madison, a child burdened with the low self-esteem that many black girls face when they're darker skinned. When Maleeka lays eyes on her new teacher, Miss Saunders, she ecnounters someone who, she feels, is worse off than she is. Miss Saunders's skin, which is blotched with a rare skin condition, comes to serve as a mirror to Maleeka's struggle. Miss Saunders is tough--she doesn't stand for the snickers and shouts that her students will hurl at her. But can Maleeka stand up to tough-talking Charlese? Will she ever accept Caleb's friendship, the unconditional acceptance he's been showing her from the get-go? And how can she eer learn to love the skin she's in?"
My Rxn:
a great read. Not necessarily very short.... but i read it in 2 days. It's humorous and realistic. not everyone can relate to the type of descrimination that Maleeka faces, but they can relate to verbal abuse. Maleeka is a very strong character, as is Miss Saunders. Surprise! Another awesome English teacher who is stealthy enough to teach the kids whilst they're not paying attention. Maleeka's writing is also awesome, and it proves a point: write what you know! The plot isn't anything too serious at first glance, but give it a chance and read into it. it reminds me of the bluest eye a little bit... but it's aimed at middle school kids. it's not a literary masterpiece, but i'd use it in my classroom. recommend it to pretty much anyone, but i think girls would get the kick out of it most. found a few nice snippets:
"I try not to stare the first day that amazon woman-teacher heads my way" (1).
"I want to tell her that if I had hair balls as big as basketballs growing under my arms like she does, I'd kill myself" (11).
These two are my favorites:
"Caleb's got about six books with him. He takes care of business, keeps up with homework. That's how he is. But even two seats over I can smell him. He don't wear that cheap stuff that hurts your nose like some boys do" (108).
When i read the last one, i knew exactly how Caleb smelled.
"I stare Char in the eyes. Momma always says you can tell a person by their eyes. Char's eyes don't have no life to them. They're cold and hard like flat black skipping rocks you find at the bottom of the creek" (141).
i imagine sharks eyes... something very cold and unfeeling. creepy!
Yay! i feel like i'm being too generous with the Word Nerd Seal of Approval... but that's ok! cause kids like and want marvelous books! perhaps i would use this during a black history month unit... or studying about MLK, and show the students how much more we need to do... and ask the question, "have things really changed?"
Back cover reads:
"The first time I seen her, I got a bad feeling inside... So begins the story of Maleeka Madison, a child burdened with the low self-esteem that many black girls face when they're darker skinned. When Maleeka lays eyes on her new teacher, Miss Saunders, she ecnounters someone who, she feels, is worse off than she is. Miss Saunders's skin, which is blotched with a rare skin condition, comes to serve as a mirror to Maleeka's struggle. Miss Saunders is tough--she doesn't stand for the snickers and shouts that her students will hurl at her. But can Maleeka stand up to tough-talking Charlese? Will she ever accept Caleb's friendship, the unconditional acceptance he's been showing her from the get-go? And how can she eer learn to love the skin she's in?"
My Rxn:
a great read. Not necessarily very short.... but i read it in 2 days. It's humorous and realistic. not everyone can relate to the type of descrimination that Maleeka faces, but they can relate to verbal abuse. Maleeka is a very strong character, as is Miss Saunders. Surprise! Another awesome English teacher who is stealthy enough to teach the kids whilst they're not paying attention. Maleeka's writing is also awesome, and it proves a point: write what you know! The plot isn't anything too serious at first glance, but give it a chance and read into it. it reminds me of the bluest eye a little bit... but it's aimed at middle school kids. it's not a literary masterpiece, but i'd use it in my classroom. recommend it to pretty much anyone, but i think girls would get the kick out of it most. found a few nice snippets:
"I try not to stare the first day that amazon woman-teacher heads my way" (1).
"I want to tell her that if I had hair balls as big as basketballs growing under my arms like she does, I'd kill myself" (11).
These two are my favorites:
"Caleb's got about six books with him. He takes care of business, keeps up with homework. That's how he is. But even two seats over I can smell him. He don't wear that cheap stuff that hurts your nose like some boys do" (108).
When i read the last one, i knew exactly how Caleb smelled.
"I stare Char in the eyes. Momma always says you can tell a person by their eyes. Char's eyes don't have no life to them. They're cold and hard like flat black skipping rocks you find at the bottom of the creek" (141).
i imagine sharks eyes... something very cold and unfeeling. creepy!
Yay! i feel like i'm being too generous with the Word Nerd Seal of Approval... but that's ok! cause kids like and want marvelous books! perhaps i would use this during a black history month unit... or studying about MLK, and show the students how much more we need to do... and ask the question, "have things really changed?"
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