Sharon g. flake story “the skin I’m in” talks about a young girl named Maleeka. Maleeka goes to McClenton middle school. The kids there bully Maleeka because of her skin . They make songs and chants about Maleeka which makes her upset. Maleeka starts hanging out with the school bully for protection. Maleeka and her mother are less fortunate so the school bully (Charleese) gives Maleeka clothes. In return for the protection and the clothes Maleeka agrees to do her homework. Maleeka doesn’t understand why kids look at her as this disgusting person and she does everything to fit in even take the blame of burning down the school. The lesson of this story is don’t fit in stand out and embrace your differences that’s what makes u special
How I think the author develops the theme is because she gives us a basic description about the story and the main character’s such as Maleeka she gives us a basic description by stating that she is less fortunate. She is fatherless she is very dark and she gets influenced by the wrong people which results her in becoming a main target for everyone to aim at. Charleese is a huge influence on Maleeka because she makes her do things that she is not fit on doing but she also forces her to so it’s not like she really has a choice. Maleeka only hangs out with Charleese for protection but I don’t think she was really thinking what she was getting herself into when she agreed to hang out with Charleese . Later in the story Charleese makes Maleeka do things she regrets doing such as burning up the school. Mrs. Sanders gives Maleeka the courage to tell her what is going on. Maleeka tells on Charleese is sent to Alabama with her dad and Maleeka and her mom pay the damages for the school.
How I think this supports the story is it shows that Maleeka was trying to be too much like Charleese and ended up getting in trouble. You shouldn’t try to be like others because that could risk you getting in trouble. Also Maleeka should embrace her dark skin because that is what makes her special, and someone actually likes the way she looks and she be happy with that.