New Releases by Sharon G. Flake

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.

For fans of Mo Willem''s Elephant and Piggie and Pigeon series, this clever and hilarious story stars Cat, who starts out perfectly content and relaxed, and Duck, who infuriates him by meowing like a cat instead of quacking like Cat thinks he should. Written completely in dialogue, this minimalist text is fun to read aloud and easy enough for newly independent readers to enjoy on their own. Humorous and deceptively simple artwork highlights the characters'' personalities, showing Duck''s quirkiness and good humor and Cat''s rising frustration as Duck impersonates a variety of animals, refusing to concede that he is, indeed, a duck. Duck''s silliness will appeal to children who enjoy pretend play, and older siblings will relate to Cat''s annoyance as Duck refuses to leave his side. Ideal for multiple readings, here is a concise, funny story by award-winning author Sharon G. Flake with playful details in the artwork and humor that never fades.

Perfect for fans of Mo Willems and Jon Klassen, award-winning author Sharon G. Flake’s story about a very serious cat and a very silly duck will inspire giggles with every reading. Best friends Duck and Cat have a problem—Cat makes Duck sneeze! “I think—achoo!—I’m allergic to you,” Duck declares. Hilarity ensues as Cat keeps trying to solve the problem—but Duck keeps sneezing! Is Duck really allergic to Cat or is something else going on? Written completely in dialogue, this text is fun to read aloud and easy enough for newly independent readers to enjoy on their own. Humorous illustrations highlight the characters'' personalities, emphasizing Duck''s quirky humor and Cat''s earnestness. This dynamic duo will charm readers as the sly friendship tale keeps them laughing.

A beautiful and uplifting novel in verse about family, friendship, journeys that take us far from home and back again, renewed and more courageous from the three-time Coretta Scott King Honor winner of The Skin I''m In! James Henry used to be brave. He hasn''t been the same since that fateful night at the lighthouse when his ma went searching for Dog. Now months later, he feels as small as the space between the numbers on a watch, nervous day and night, barely able to go outside. Even words have a hard time leaving his mouth. The only person he speaks to is Hattie, his courageous twin sister, who fiercely protects him, especially from bullies. James Henry wants nothing more than to be brave again. However, finding his voice will mean confronting the truth about what happened at the lighthouse-a step James Henry isn''t sure he can take. Until a blue moon is forecast, and as Gran has said, everything is possible under a rare blue moon . . . * "An evocative, immediate novel with compelling characters and a wonderfully well-paced plot." —The Horn Book, starred review

The powerful and long-anticipated companion to The Skin I''m In, Sharon Flake''s bestselling modern classic, presents the unflinching story of Char, a young woman trapped in the underworld of human trafficking. My feet are heavy as stones when I walk up the block wondering why I can''t find my old self.In The Skin I''m In, readers saw into the life of Maleeka Madison, a teen who suffered from the ridicule she received because of her dark skin color. For decades fans have wanted to know the fate of the bully who made Maleeka''s life miserable, Char.Now in Sharon Flake''s latest and unflinching novel, The Life I''m In, we follow Charlese Jones, who, with her raw, blistering voice speaks the truths many girls face, offering insight to some of the causes and conditions that make a bully. Turned out of the only home she has known, Char boards a bus to nowhere where she is lured into the dangerous web of human trafficking. Much is revealed behind the complex system of men who take advantage of vulnerable teens in the underbelly of society. While Char might be frightened, she remains strong and determined to bring herself and her fellow victims out of the dark and back into the light, reminding us why compassion is a powerful cure to the ills of the world.Sharon Flake''s bestselling, Coretta Scott King Award-winning novel The Skin I''m In was a game changer when it was first published more than twenty years ago. It redefined young adult literature by presenting characters, voices, and real-world experiences that had not been fully seen. Now Flake offers readers another timely and radical story of a girl on the brink and how her choices will lead her to either fall, or fly.

Bestselling and award-winning author, Sharon G. Flake, delivers a mystery set in the 1950s that eerily blends history, race, culture, and family. Octobia May is girl filled with questions. Her heart condition makes her special - and, some folks would argue, gives this ten-year-old powers that make her a "wise soul." Thank goodness for Auntie, who convinces Octobia''s parents to let her live in her boarding house that is filled with old folks. That''s when trouble, and excitement, and wonder begin. Auntie is non-traditional. She''s unmarried and has plans to purchase other boarding homes and hotels. At a time when children, and especially girls, are "seen, not heard," Auntie allows Octobia May the freedom and expression of an adult. When Octobia starts to question the folks in her world, an adventure and a mystery unfold that beg some troubling questions: Who is black and who is "passing" for white? What happens when a vibrant African American community must face its own racism?

Award-winning author, Sharon G. Flake, presents a powerful novel about a teen boy and girl, each tackling disabilities.Autumn and Adonis have nothing in common and everything in common. Autumn is outgoing and has lots of friends. Adonis is shy and not so eager to connect with people. But even with their differences, the two have one thing in common--they''re each dealing with a handicap. For Autumn, who has a learning disability, reading is a painful struggle that makes it hard to focus in class. But as her school''s most aggressive team wrestler, Autumn can take down any problem. Adonis is confined to a wheelchair. He has no legs. He can''t walk or dance. But he''s a strong reader who loves books. Even so, Adonis has a secret he knows someone like Autumn can heal. In time, Autumn and Adonis are forced to see that our greatest weaknesses can turn into the assets that forever change us and those we love. Told in alternating voices, Pinned explores issues of self-discovery, friendship, and what it means to be different.

Presents a collection of short stories and poems about African-American teenage boys and the issues they must deal with, including HIV, teen pregnancy, and homelessness.

A novel for secondary school English classes with great writing and important themes.

Confronted daily with tough issues that seem to increase as the school day wears on, adolescents of all complexions struggle to make a place for themselves in society while defining their significance in terms of their allure to the other gender.

A teenage boy must face the harsh realities of inner-city life, a disintegrating family, and destructive temptations as he struggles to find his identity as a young man.

A pack containing: 15 copies of the Rollercoasters Educational Edition of The Skin I''m In by Sharon G. Flake: * An imaginative and exciting book your student will not want to put down * Durable, soft covers your students will want to pick up 15 The Skin I''m In Reading Guides to support the student in their study of the novel: * A reusable booklet with magazine feel to engage students * For use throughout the study of the novel * For use as a ''way in'' to aspects of the novel

A treize ans, la jeune Raspberry Hill n''a qu''une obsession gagner de l''argent, pour que sa mère et elle ne retournent pas vivre dans la rue. Par tous les moyens licites, elle accumule un pactole qu''elle dissimule dans sa chambre. Jusqu''au jour où le malheur s''abat à nouveau sur la famille : un rôdeur dévalise leur maison, et leurs riches voisins complotent pour qu''elles quittent le lotissement. Raspberry doit encore se battre pour éviter que le ciel ne leur tombe sur la tête. Mêlant tranches de vie et scènes urbaines, ce récit vivant et plein d''humour nous plonge dans l''univers difficile des adolescents d''une certaine Amérique.

Teenaged Raspberry Hill tries to sort out her confused feelings of disgust, shame, and love for her homeless, drug addicted father and worries that she may have inherited his lying and stealing ways.

A l''adolescence, rien n''est plus dur que la différence. Maleeka, avec sa peau qu''elle juge trop noire et ses habits démodés, en sait quelque chose. Alors pour être comme tout le monde, elle fréquente la bande de Charlese. Une étrange amitié qui se paie à coups de devoirs pour la chef. Maleeka s''accommode du mépris et des menaces parce qu''être seule, c''est encore pire. Désorientée, en mal d''amour, la jeune fille parviendra-t-elle à surmonter ses tourments ?