Description: "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"--
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