The Skin I’m In is Steph Tisdell’s debut young adult novel, and, as expected, it is as warm and hilarious as her award-winning comedy. In this coming-of-age tale, we follow Layla; at 17, she is sharp, quite cautious and always irreverent. She also finds herself facing issues a little too typical for her taste: a fading best-friendship, unrequited crushes, and feeling as though she’s socially falling behind. Layla has always been a headstrong individual, but she’s beginning to think that fitting in might be what she needs. But that’s complicated when you’re the only Indigenous student at your middle-class high school.

Well, until her cousin Marley moves in, that is. Suddenly, there’s a spotlight on Layla’s identity, for others and herself. In Marley’s presence, the ongoing effects of colonisation become deafeningly loud; Layla’s feeling tired and it’s increasingly impossible to ignore.

But if Layla is one thing, she is determined. She’s excited for her final year in high school and she’s going to do it right, though what’s ‘right’ might soon be too complicated for her to navigate alone.

In this giggle-inducing social drama, we watch Layla unpack her experiences and develop the tools to protect and defend herself. Tisdell paints a picture of the daily experiences of colonisation felt by Layla and her family. As Layla learns, we are given the opportunity to learn with her; you can laugh, cry, and grow with her, too.

In addition to the continuing effects of colonisation on First Nations peoples, this novel explores the importance of kindness, family and solidarity. It will have you laughing right up until the moment it breaks your heart into tiny pieces, before it sweetly puts you back together again. Recommended for readers aged 15+.