About This Book
The Skin I'm In tells the poignant story of Maleeka, a young girl who endures daily taunts and bullying from her classmates, primarily targeting her dark skin, homemade clothes, and academic success. Her self-esteem is deeply affected, leading her to question her own worth. The narrative takes a hopeful turn with the arrival of Miss Saunders, a new teacher whose face has a noticeable white patch, yet who radiates self-confidence and self-love. Through Miss Saunders's example and guidance, Maleeka begins a transformative journey to embrace her unique identity and find strength in her own skin. This book is ideal for children aged 8-12, offering a powerful exploration of self-acceptance, resilience, and standing up to bullying.
Maleeka suffers every day from the taunts of the other kids in her class. If they're not getting at her about her homemade clothes or her good grades, it's about her dark, black skin. When a new teacher, whose face is blotched with a startling white patch, starts at their school, Maleeka can see there is bound to be trouble for her too. But the new teacher's attitude surprises Maleeka. Miss Saunders loves the skin she's in. Can Maleeka learn to do the same?
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Maleeka feel about herself at the beginning of the story? What makes her feel that way?
2
What does Miss Saunders teach Maleeka, not just with her words, but with her actions?
3
Have you ever seen someone being bullied for being different? What did you do, or what do you wish you had done?
4
What does "loving the skin you're in" mean to you?
5
How can we be allies to people who are being treated unfairly?
External Reviews
If Your Family Enjoyed This
Reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share how this book landed with your family.