THE FAMILY I’M IN, by Sharon G. Flake, Scholastic Press, April 1, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)
The Family I’m In, by Sharon G. Flake, explores the complex relationships between Black boys and their fathers, and what it truly means to be a man.
Sharon G. Flake’s groundbreaking novel The Skin I’m In ushered in a new voice that lit up the literary landscape and became a modern classic, passed down through generations. The Life I’m In, its sequel, furthered the power of unmistakable voices, opening the hearts and minds of teens everywhere.
Now The Family I’m In presents John-John and Caleb, friends since childhood who have come face-to-face with the struggles and triumphs of growing into young men. They’re living in a world where many Black boys are up against generational expectations, fears of the future, and how to navigate being “nice” kids who just want to be seen for who they are. Together, Caleb and John-John work through family illness, divorced parents, teachers who ask hard questions, and girls who think they have all the answers. —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Press
The Family I’m In is the third book in The Skin I’m In series. Some of the characters in The Family I’m In are in the first two books, but this book can be read as a standalone novel.
The Family I’m In follows John-John and Caleb in a high school setting, offering readers a glimpse of teenage life. Author Sharon Flake explores family dynamics, mental health, relationship complexities, and actions vs consequences from a male perspective. Father-son interactions are the highlight here.
Flake’s pacing is strong for what I consider a fairly quiet book. The story is authentic and should appeal to teen boys in particular.
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