How old is Maleeka in the book The skin I'm in?

Thirteen-year-old Maleeka, uncomfortable because her skin is extremely dark, meets a new teacher with a birthmark on her face and makes some discoveries about how to love who she is and what she looks like.

Who is Maleeka's love interest?

Caleb - Maleeka's love interest. He's a caring boy who is dedicated to school and doesn't care about what people think about him. He's a little shy when it comes to Maleeka. Raina and Raise - Charlese's "sidekicks" who agree with and go along with everything Char does.

How old was Maleeka when her father died?

Maleeka's dad died when she was ten. He was a good father who gave her good advice and read books to her. This helped Maleeka develop a good feeling about herself. Her dad's death has made life hard for her.

Why does Maleeka want to cut her hair?

Maleeka feels like she's a runway model. Getting a new haircut is a way for Maleeka to boost her self-esteem. Doing so changes how she sees herself—and hopefully this will change how others see her as well.

What is the relationship between Charlese Jones and Maleeka?

Still, even though Charlese and Maleeka are supposedly friends, Charlese continues to bully and insult Maleeka, often calling her names or insulting her appearance. Charlese's bullying seems to stem from two sources: her own insecurity, and the way her older sister JuJu treats her.

Individualism and the Erosion of Muslim religious identity

What happens to Maleeka in Chapter 17?

Her mom tells her to be careful, and Maleeka goes to bed without dinner and cries herself to sleep. Maleeka's escape from the boys' assault demonstrates the deep toll that bullying and physical harassment take on her.

Who is maleeka in the skin I'm in?

Maleeka is the 13-year-old protagonist and narrator of The Skin I'm In. During her time at McClenton Middle School, other students like John-John and Charlese frequently bully Maleeka over her dark skin and the ill-fitting clothes that her mom makes for her.

Why does Maleeka's mother sew?

(pg. 9) Deeper Meaning: The sewing machine symbolizes therapy for Maleeka's mom. It helps her cope with the death of her husband. Maleeka's mother uses it to make clothes for Maleeka because it makes her feel like she's doing something good for her daughter.

Who does Maleeka hang out with in the bathroom?

Maleeka reckons that hanging out in the bathroom is more fun than stapling papers, so she meets Charlese, Raise, and Raina there.

Why does Maleeka's mom make her clothes?

Clothes are an avenue of self-expression, and they're also tied to socioeconomic status. Maleeka's mom usually sews Maleeka's clothes because she wants to save money—despite the fact that she isn't very good at sewing.

What did Maleeka's dad always tell her?

Growing up, Maleeka's dad encouraged her love of reading. He also left her a plastic hand mirror and told her that she had to see herself through her own eyes to know who she truly was.

What is John-John's new nickname for Maleeka?

Just then, John-John comes over and makes fun of Maleeka's skin, singing his usual song. When Charlese tells John-John that she'll kick his butt, he stops singing—but he calls Maleeka “midnight” as he says goodbye.

Why did Caleb leave Maleeka on the bus?

Here, Caleb reveals the full story about his leaving Maleeka. Rather than rejecting Maleeka, Caleb was trying to prevent others from bullying her further. He demonstrates that he is a true friend and that he really wants to support her.

What does Caleb give Maleeka?

And because Maleeka told the truth about Charlese, she doesn't have to work in the office anymore. One day, Caleb gives Maleeka a poem.

How does sweets help Maleeka?

Sweets now spends much of her time studying, leaving Maleeka to hang out with Charlese. Sweets also helps Maleeka get a haircut from her cousin Ronnie to boost her confidence.

What was Maleeka's flashback?

The flashback of the story is when everyone makes fun of Maleeka because of her hairstyle. She flashes back when her dad told her about showing her true colors, and embracing who you are.

Why did Maleeka get suspended?

Charlese forces Maleeka to burn a pile of foreign money on Miss Saunders's desk, and soon after the curtains catch fire. The four of them run away, but the janitor catches sight of Maleeka as she goes. Maleeka is suspended and will be forced to pay $2,000 in fines.

Why did Char befriend Maleeka?

Why did Char befriend Maleeka? Char befriended Maleeka because Maleeka will do Char's homework. What did Caleb do to be sent to detention? Caleb was sent to detention because he was scrubbing the boy's bathroom.

Where does Maleeka go in Chapter 16?

Maleeka's mom has her do more chores, and at four p.m., Maleeka finally leaves for Charlese's house. Clothes continue to symbolize how Maleeka's powerful need for acceptance and self-worth.

Who is the mother of Maleeka's?

Maleeka's mom is Maleeka's sole caretaker, as Maleeka's dad died three years prior to the novel's events. While Maleeka's mom loves and supports her, she doesn't always model good behavior. Maleeka reveals that, following her dad's death, her mother fell apart; Maleeka had to brush her mom's teeth and feed her.

What is Maleeka's punishment?

What was maleeka punishment for fighting? Maleeka punishment was that she had to work in the school office. Her mom let her slip with the phone and T.V., because she was working in the office. What did Miss Saunders think about Maleeka's skin color?

What did Maleeka want?

Maleeka wants to skip fifth period because John-John McIntrye continues to sign the rap song. Maleeka decides she doesn't have to sit next to him and listen to the rap song, so she wants to skip class.

Is there a movie for the skin I'm in?

The Skin I'm In is a 2012 autobiographical documentary film that was produced, directed, shot, and edited by American filmmaker, scholar, and professor Broderick Fox.

What does Maleeka mean?

Gender : girl. Origin : muslim, Indian, Muslim, Bengali. Maleeka Meaning: Daughter, Queen, Owner, A garland.

Who does Maleeka meet in the bathroom every day?

Maleeka, Charlese, and the twins Raina and Raise meet in the girls' bathroom every morning. They put on makeup and gossip, and Maleeka changes into the clothes that Charlese brought for her.