The Family I'm In

by Sharon G. Flake

Overview

The bestselling and award-winning author of The Skin I'm In and The Life I'm In returns with a novel that explores the complex relationships between Black boys and their fathers, and what it truly means to be a man.

Sharon Flake's groundbreaking novel, The Skin I'm In ushered in a new voice that lit up the YA landscape, ignited important conversations about self-perception and racial identity, and became a modern classic that has been passed down through generations. The Life I'm In came next, bringing the same unmistakable voices of the characters who opened the hearts and minds of kids throughout the world, asked hard questions, and plunged readers into the harsh realities many teen girls face. Now, The Family I'm In brings back the same riveting characters — but this time focuses on the important relationships between Black fathers and sons. John-John and Caleb, friends since childhood, have come face-to-face with the struggles and triumphs of becoming young men. They're up against a world where many Black boys face complicated generational expectations and fears of the future. They summon their inner strength to push beyond family illness, mental health issues, parents, teachers, and society — to reach, succeed, and to live with dignity, purpose, and promise.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781338573220
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	04/01/2025
Sold by:	Scholastic, Inc.
Format:	eBook
Pages:	288
Age Range:	12 Years

About the Author

Sharon G. Flake’s groundbreaking novel, The Skin I’m In, brought a bold dimension to literature for young readers. Now considered a modern classic, The Skin I’m In has sold over a million copies worldwide and has been translated into numerous languages. The novel is required reading in classrooms and communities around the globe. Since its publication, Flake has authored over a dozen books, winning multiple Coretta Scott King Honor Awards; ALA Notable and Top Ten Recommended Books citations, and an NAACP Image Award Nomination, among many accolades. Her latest novel, The Life I’m In, a companion to The Skin I’m In, has earned four starred reviews, and has been deemed one of the most anticipated sequels of the decade.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for The Life I'm In:

* "[A]ny reader can appreciate this novel’s indelible impact." —Publisher's Weekly, starred review

* "A sequel for today's time... [an] unflinching narrative... vivid and important." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "A much-desired sister novel... [A] difficult yet necessary sequel.” —Booklist, starred review

Praise for The Skin I'm In:

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent

Publishers Weekly Author to Watch

* "Flake's debut novel will hit home... echoes universal brink-of-adolescence concerns." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Funny and clever... will pull readers into a world too rarely represented in middle-grade fiction." —Booklist

"Young teens will appreciate Flake's authenticity." —School Library Journal

Praise for Pinned:

Kirkus Reviews Best Books of Year

NAACP Image Award Nominee

* "Flake avoids tidiness, constructing two authentic, distinct voices that expose the strengths and flaws of both teenagers." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "[The protagonists], in addition to the supporting characters — parents, teachers, and friends alike — have distinctive personalities and voices, enhancing the story's depth and complexity." —The Horn Book, starred review

Praise for The Unstoppable Octobia May:

"Socially conscious work of historical fiction... smart, spirited, and hopeful." —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"[A] page-turning read that never feels like a history lesson." —The Horn Book

From the Publisher