The Family I'm in - by Sharon G Flake (Hardcover)

About the Book

"John-John and Caleb, friends since childhood, ... 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"--

Book 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 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.

Review 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 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

About the Author

As the prolific author of numerous books, Sharon G. Flake's novels have brought a bold dimension to literature for young people, selling more than a million copies worldwide, and reaching readers across the globe through numerous translations and theatrical productions. Ms. Flake's impressive body of work includes dozens of novels, chapter books, and illustrated works. She is the recipient of multiple Coretta Scott King Author Honor Awards and is a Kirkus Award nominee. Ms. Flake has received numerous NAACP Image Award nominations, among other citations, and has been praised as one of the single most influential authors of teen works whose novels have inspired a pantheon of writers. To learn more, please visit: sharongflake.com