Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Skin I’m In, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Bullying and Insecurity
Self-Esteem, Support, and Friendship
Writing and Self-Expression
The Importance of Role Models
Summary
Analysis
Maleeka isn’t allowed to watch TV, use the phone, or hang out with friends for three weeks because of the fight. Mr. Pajolli, Maleeka’s mom, and Miss Saunders also agree that Maleeka should work in the school office. Miss Saunders explains to Maleeka’s mother that Maleeka is “wasting her potential,” and that keeping her close to the principal’s office could help get her back in line. Maleeka’s mother is glad that Miss Saunders cares about how Maleeka is doing in school.
Both Miss Saunders and Maleeka’s mom want to make sure Maleeka can fulfill her potential. Seeing the bad influence that Charlese has on Maleeka, Miss Saunders recommends the job at the principal’s office so that Maleeka can learn responsibility and stay out of the trouble that Charlese often causes.
Themes
During Maleeka’s first day working in the school office, she files papers and listens as teachers come in and complain about Miss Saunders without realizing that Maleeka is working behind the desk. They say that Miss Saunders expects things to change at the school with a drop of the hat and is pushing the kids too hard. Mr. Pajolli tells the teachers that there’s nothing wrong with a bit of change. When one of them finally spots Maleeka working in the office, he says that they shouldn’t reward “bad kids” who misbehave. Mr. Pajolli replies that all of the students are good, but some just need more support than others.
Even though the other teachers criticize Miss Saunders for pushing the kids, Mr. Pajolli shares Miss Saunders’s perspective. While the other teachers have given up on “bad kids” like Maleeka, Miss Saunders recognizes that Maleeka has potential and gives her the opportunity to fulfill that. This suggests that recognizing kids’ abilities, pushing them to take advantage of their talents, and encouraging them to stay out of trouble are key qualities in a good role model.
Themes
