This is a great follow-up to the "Skin I'm In" series, and it was great to revisit the characters of Maleeka and Char again. I think readers will be able to jump into book 3 without any trouble. I read Book 1, but haven't read the second book in the series. I had to recall where Char was when I left off, then pick up the conversations that explained the ways she has changed. Nevertheless, I was happy to see the redemption arc of so many characters.

Readers will feel seen with the school rivalries, family complications, lack of resources in schools, and rough neighborhoods. They will also find hope and encouragement in the resilience of John and his friends. I was so happy to see John's story, and will recommend this to students in schools and at the library.

The Skin I’m In played such a major part in my childhood. Maleeka lived within from the moment I picked that book up in the 5th grade.

I love how Flake’s writing took me right back to that moment. But this one is for the boys. The boys with complex relationship with their fathers. The boys who just don’t quite fit in. The boys who rather read than throw a football. The nice boys. Our Black boys finding their place in a world that’s so unkind to them.

Caleb and John-John had completely different struggles with coming into their own within their families and societies. And I enjoyed the ride the book took us on with them. The fighting like strangers on the streets & then right back to being brothers 😭

My favorite thing about Sharon G. Flake’s writing is always just how real it is. And this one was real.

This story was captivating from the first few chapters. Readers of The Skin I'm In and/or The Life I'm In will be thrilled with this continuation piece. Caleb and JJ experiences will resonate with today's young men and they totally deserve to see their representation in print. Ms. Flake has done it again!

Another favorite by this author who never disappoints this author always explores hard topics and often the black community can relate to.

This brought a strong concept and voice from the previous two books from Sharon G. Flake that I read. I enjoyed the realism that was going on and that it showed a humanity between fathers and sons. I was invested in what Sharon G. Flake wrote and the characters were everything that I was looking for.