(S)Kin: A YA Verse Novel About Family and Belonging

Quick answer

If you're looking for a YA novel in verse that blends Caribbean folklore with a grounded story about family and identity, (S)Kin by Ibi Zoboi is a strong pick. It rewards readers who like lyrical storytelling and are ready to talk about heritage, secrets, and belonging.

What makes (S)Kin a verse novel rather than a prose novel?

In (S)Kin, the story unfolds through poems instead of long chapters of prose. That choice matters for pacing: verse can move quickly through emotional beats and leave white space for readers to sit with a moment. Teens who feel intimidated by dense prose often find verse novels more approachable, while strong readers appreciate how much is implied in a few lines.

How does Caribbean folklore shape the story?

The novel draws on the soucouyant, a fireball witch from Caribbean folklore who sheds her skin at night. Fifteen-year-old Marisol is the daughter of a soucouyant, and the book treats that inheritance as both a family legacy and a private burden. Readers who enjoy folklore will find it woven into the character's daily life rather than presented as a separate fantasy world.

Is (S)Kin appropriate for younger YA readers?

The publisher's catalog describes the soucouyant as a witch who must 'sip from the lives of others to sustain her own,' which signals a dark fantasy element. The book is shelved as Teens YA, so it's aimed at readers roughly 13 and up. If you're choosing for a younger teen, preview the first few poems to gauge comfort with eerie imagery and family secrets.

Common questions about (S)Kin

What is (S)Kin about?

It follows fifteen-year-old Marisol, the daughter of a soucouyant, as she navigates her family's supernatural inheritance in Brooklyn while hoping to leave old traditions behind.

Who wrote (S)Kin?

Ibi Zoboi, an author known for YA novels that center Caribbean and Black teen experiences.

What genre is (S)Kin?

It's a YA novel in verse with contemporary and magical realism elements, rooted in Caribbean folklore.

What discussion questions work for (S)Kin?

Ask: How does Marisol's relationship with her mother change? What does the soucouyant skin symbolize about heritage? Why might the author choose verse for this story?

Is (S)Kin part of a series?

The catalog lists it as a standalone title; no series information is provided.

Book details

• (S)Kin: Signed copies are available while supplies last. A signed edition makes a meaningful gift or keepsake for a reader who connects with the story.