Sharon G. Flake

author of Hattie Mae Begins Again

A three-time Coretta Scott King Author Award Honoree, Sharon G. Flake is the author of The Skin I’m In, a groundbreaking modern classic used in curriculum across the United States. Her middle grade novels in verse have been called “evocative” (The Horn Book, starred review) and “glimmering . . . . with all the makings of a classic” (The Bulletin, starred review).

Hattie Mae Begins Again

Hattie Mae Begins Again

Sharon G. Flake

From the three-time Coretta Scott King Honor winning author of The Skin I’m In comes a poignant story about a southern girl far from home at an elite girls boarding school in the north, who must find the courage to be herself and to dream of a brighter future, set against the backdrop of the great migration in South Philly.

You can be what you want in life.
Climb as high as you wish.
Nothing can stop you,
not even pedigree.

★ “Every poem in this verse novel is a glimmering snapshot that perfectly captures Hattie Mae’s experiences, with deft worldbuilding and historical tidbits.” —The Bulletin, starred review

A compelling coming-of-age story enriched by its historical texture.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Flake delivers a layered, authentic, and inspirational story.” —Booklist

“Written in verse and featuring snappy chapters that read smoothly, this novel delves deep into historical details and Hattie’s journey of transformation without feeling weighed down.” —School Library Journal

Hattie Mae Begins Again

Educators’ Guide
Once in a Blue Moon

Once in a Blue Moon

Sharon G. Flake

A beautiful and uplifting novel in verse about family, friendship, journeys that take us far from home and back again, renewed and more courageous from the three-time Coretta Scott King Honor winner of The Skin I’m In!

★ “An evocative, immediate novel with compelling characters and a wonderfully well-paced plot.” —The Horn Book, starred review

“The theme of recovery after deep trauma shines brightly.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A poignantly compelling intergenerational story that underlines themes of community and family, forgiveness, grief, and healing.” —Publishers Weekly

Once in a Blue Moon

Educators’ Guide
Sharon G. Flake

Sharon G. Flake

Sharon G. Flake is the author of The Skin I’m In, which has sold over a million copies worldwide and has been translated into numerous languages. Since its publication, Flake has authored over a dozen books, winning multiple Coretta Scott King Honor Awards; ALA Notable and Top Ten Recommended Books citations, and an NAACP Image Award Nomination, among many accolades. She has been writing books from her home (and Panera’s) for over twenty years, including Once in a Blue Moon.

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