“A delightful coming-of-age story set in Jamaica, amid heartbreak, hopefulness, and mirth.”—Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake “Poignant and emotional, with touches of both humor and sorrow. . . . This book makes you think about what it means to be a mother, and what it means to be a good mother.” — Julia Quinn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Bridgerton , on Today.com A winning debut novel about a Jamaican girl determined to bake her way out of her dysfunctional family and into the opportunity of a lifetime. Pumkin Patterson is a thirteen-year-old girl living in a tiny two-room house in Kingston, Jamaica, with her grandmother (who wants to improve the family’s social standing), her Aunt Sophie (who dreams of a new life in Paris for her and Pumkin), and her mother Paulette (who’s rarely home). When Sophie is offered the chance to move to France for work, she seizes the opportunity, and promises to send for her niece in one year’s time. All Pumkin has to do is pass her French entrance exam so she can attend school there. But when Pumkin’s grandmother dies, she’s left alone with her volatile mother, and as soon as her estranged father turns up—as lazy and conniving as ever—the household’s fortunes take a turn for the worse. Pumkin must somehow find a way to raise the money for her French exam, so she can free herself from her household and reunite with her beloved aunt in France. In a moment of ingenuity, she turns her passion for baking into a true business. Making batches of sweet potato pudding, coconut drops and chocolate cakes, Pumkin develops a booming trade—but when her school and her mother find out what she’s up to, everything she’s worked so hard for may slip through her fingers. . . . Sweetness in the Skin is a funny and heartbreaking story about a young girl figuring out who she is, what she is capable of—and where she truly belongs . "An ode to the families we create for ourselves . . . . Pumkin is a wonderful main character you are willing to succeed." - Glamour "This engaging coming-of-age tale shows a challenging side of Jamaican life through the eyes of an appealing protagonist." - The Times (UK) “Robinson’s vivacious debut follows a Jamaican teenager who weighs her Kingston roots against the prospect of an exciting new life in France. . . . This perceptive coming-of-age novel marks Robinson as a writer to watch.” - Publishers Weekly “This story by Ishi Robinson is a contemporary novel about family struggles, learning French, and, my favourite: baking. If those concepts don't hook you, I don't know what will.  Sweetness in the Skin  is perfect for anyone looking for a good ol' coming-of-age story, as it follows a young, lovable main character. Plus, it's set in Jamaica, and is a recent release — so this summer is truly the right time to pick up this book.” - Buzzfeed “Debut novelist Robinson explores themes of class rivalry, racism, postcolonial damage, and self-determination. . . Sympathetic storytelling leavened with humor.” - Kirkus Reviews " Sweetness in the Skin may seem like a gentle coming of age story, but it is all the more compelling for its darker side." - The Berliner "British actor Deja Bowens narrates, employing an engaging cadence and rhythm and capturing the variety of Jamaican accents present in Pumkin’s wide-ranging community. Bowens’s performance and conversational tone turn Pumkin’s narrative into a delicious treat for the ears and will have listeners rooting for her to move on from her setbacks and discover her life’s next chapter . . . . A satisfyingly sweet, feel-good story with enough depth to appeal to a broad range of listeners. Highly recommended for fans of Kai Harris’s  What the Fireflies Knew  and Charmaine Wilkerson’s  Black Cake ." - Library Journal “Poignant and emotional, with touches of both humor and sorrow. . . . This book makes you think about what it means to be a mother, and what it means to be a good mother.” - Julia Quinn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Bridgerton, on Today.com "Sweetness in the Skin  is a celebration of the Caribbean—our food, our language, and our people. I read this book with my heart in my mouth, hoping all of Pumkin’s dreams would come true." - Breanne Mc Ivor, author of The God of Good Looks “Robinson’s debut explores a variety of themes, including colorism, generational trauma, class, and ambition, through the eyes of plucky Pumkin, who is wise beyond her years. Her struggles are authentic, as are the friendships she develops with the people who help her along the way. Readers who were moved by Abi Daré’s The Girl with the Louding Voice (2020) will be inspired by Pumkin’s journey.” - Booklist (starred review) "Emotionally transportive. A story so rich and resonant I never wanted it to end. Pumkin Patterson has my heart as one of the most authentic and original voices I've ever met in the pages of a book. I loved her." - Julietta Henderson, autho