(S)Kin

Gr 7 Up–A contemporary YA fantasy novel in verse rooted in Caribbean folklore, specifically the myth of the soucouyant—women who shed their skins and consume souls by the light of the new moon. Zoboi intricately weaves the narratives of two young women residing in modern-day Brooklyn. Fifteen-year-old Marisol is an undocumented Haitian immigrant navigating life with her mother, Lourdes, who is also a soucouyant and her guide. She often controls who Marisol seeks during her transformation to seek vengeance on those who have harmed them. Genevieve is a biracial American teenager living with her all-white family and struggles with her identity and how to fit in: with her family, her classmates, even in her own skin. An old family secret is unearthed and the girls’ everyday lives become intertwined with the magic of the Caribbean folklore that will shape their future and families forever. This narrative explores themes of heritage, cultural appropriation, complex family dynamics, and the journey of coming of age. The verse format offers a rhythmic and accessible read while challenging stereotypes regarding colorism and racism. Readers do not need to be familiar with soucouyant and similar stories; the lore is detailed throughout the story.