Sharon G. Flake (born December 25, 1955) is an American writer of children and young adult literature. She has lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her daughter for many years. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a BA in English. Flake's debut novel The Skin I'm In which was published in 1998 follows thirteen-year-old Maleeka Madison who is teased about the color of her skin and her homemade dresses. To end the bullying, Maleeka tries to befriend her tormentors. She learns that trying to fit in is not the best way to make people like you. Flake's work has won numerous awards, including the John Steptoe Award for New Talent in 1999 for new authors and has also garnered positive feedback from Booklist and School Library Journal. She has also won two Coretta Scott King Awards. Source: Wikipedia (en)