The Family Im In, Sharon G. Flake
The Family Im In, Sharon G. Flake
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The Family I'm In

Author: Sharon G. Flake

Narrator: Zeno Robinson

Unabridged: 19 hr 45 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 04/01/2025


Synopsis

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.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Tashay on April 01, 2025

Thank you Scholastic Press for the advanced reader copy! The Skin I’m In played such a major part in my childhood. Maleeka lived within from the moment I picked that book up in the 5th grade. I love how Flake’s writing took me right back to that moment. But this one is for the boys. The boys with comp......more

Goodreads review by Denise on April 09, 2025

Flake is the blueprint—the pioneer of Black middle grade and YA literature. Her stories paved the way for so many others, and The Family I’m In proves why she’s still that girl. ⠀ In this powerful follow-up, readers are reunited with unforgettable characters from The Skin I’m In and The Life I’m In. I......more

Goodreads review by Sarah on February 11, 2025

An exploration of teen boys and their fathers. Readers come to realize boys and fathers are tough on each other and themselves. I appreciated the short chapters and nuances of what each teen wanted and their problems-big and small.......more

Goodreads review by Mrs. Kenyon on April 04, 2025

John-John has had trouble relating to his father, who he never seems to measure up to. It is the end of his junior year, and everyone wants to know who he will take to the prom and where he will work this summer. If it was up to his dad, John-John would work for him and have lots of girls in his lif......more

Goodreads review by Alicia on April 11, 2025

Part of a long-running series, Flake revisits the world from The Skin I'm In and The Life I'm In with now, The Family I'm in centering John-John and Caleb- two Black boys that have differing relationships with their fathers. John-John specifically is a quiet, unassuming kid that's bookish and sporty......more


Quotes

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 reviewPraise 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 JournalPraise 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 reviewPraise 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