I Love the Skin I'm In!

             I Love the Skin I'm In written by Mayma Raphael and illustrated by Hailey Cryan is an eye opening read for any young reader. I Love the Skin I'm In is about a little girl named Ruby who is curious as to why her skin color is different. Throughout the story Ruby asks her mom questions like, "Mommy, whys is my skin brown?" Ruby's mom educates her and expresses to her that her skin color makes her unique. Her mother also explains to her that her skin color can tell her a lot about her family and ancestors.

 

          The illustrator does an amazing job incorporating visual appeal to the reader; as well as, the way he portrayed the children. The genre, I Love the Skin I'm In is contemporary realistic fiction. This genre fits this book best because the story line is based on realistic events; as well as, holds a well-defined conflict. The questions Ruby asks her mom throughout the story are questions that I'm sure many children ask their parents. Ruby's mom did an excellent job of answering Ruby's questions. Ruby was filled with confidence in knowing that her beautiful skin can take her wherever she wanted to go.

 

                          

 



          

      There are a few motivational activities that I would incorporate in my classroom after reading I Love the Skin I'm In. For example, in the story there is a discussion about how your skin color can tell you a lot about where you are from and about your ancestors. I would have my students create a family tree. This would teach my students about the history of their family; as well as, the history and culture of their friends ancestors. Two response questions for this assignment would be:
                      

• Where are your ancestors from?
•  What did your ancestors do for fun?  

Another class activity I would do is discus with my students what they want to be when they

 grow up. I would have them create a list of professions  and what is needed in order to have that profession. For example, if they wanted to be a firefighter I would ask them what tools would be needed in order to be a good firefighter.

 

 

For another activity I would use one of the examples from the book. I would bring in bags of different colored apples; however, I would peel them so the students couldn't "see" the difference between a green apple or a red apple. I would place the different colored apples in separate bowls and allow the children to taste them. I would then ask these response questions:

• Does bowl one look different than bowl two?
• Is there a difference in taste from bowl one and two?

I believe I Love the Skin I'm In educates readers on the importance of multicultural diversity. It teaches readers that skin color has nothing to do with what is on the inside. I believe this book incorporates Saint Leo's Core Value of Respect in regards to expressing the strength in cultural diversity; as well as, having respect for individual uniqueness.

Mayma Raphael got inspiration from her children to write I Love the Skin I'm In. Originally from the Dominica Mayma now resides as a stay at home mom in New York. One similar book to I Love the Skin I'm In is Shades of People written by Shelley Rotner.
 
                                              References

  Galda, C. &. (2011). Literature and the Child Seventh Edition . Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing .

Raphael, M. (2012). I Love the Skin I'm In! Yorkstown Heights: Mom Publishing .