Guide to the Sharon G. Flake Papers, SC.2002.02

Arrangement

Repository
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Title
Sharon G. Flake Papers
Creator
Flake, Sharon G.
Collection Number
SC.2002.02
Extent
8.41 Linear Feet (11 document cases, 2 oversized, 1 record center box)
Date
1969-2025
Abstract
Sharon G. Flake (b.1955) is a Pittsburgh based children's and young adult author who focuses on the African-American life and experience in her writing. The papers include manuscripts for novels and storybooks, promotional materials, other forms of writings, personal papers, correspondence, awards, and speeches. MORE ARCHIVAL MATERIAL WILL BE ADDED TO THIS ARCHIVAL FINDING AID SOON. THEREFORE, EXPECT UPDATED BOX AND FOLDER NUMBERS IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE. Thank you!
Language
English
Author
Fiorente Pampena
Publisher
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Address
University of Pittsburgh Library System
Archives & Special Collections
Website: library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
Business Number: 412-648-3232 (Thomas) | 412-648-8190 (Hillman)
Contact Us: www.library.pitt.edu/ask-archivist
URL: http://library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Fiorente Pampena in March 2025 and March 2026.

Acquisition Information

Gift of Sharon G. Flake in 2002 and 2024.

Biographical / Historical

Sharon G. Flake (b. 1955) is a children's author based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, whose writing largely focuses on African American youth experiences. Originally from Northern Philadelphia, Flake earned a B.A. in English from the University of Pittsburgh in 1978. She went on to serve as the director of public relations at the university's Katz Graduate School of Business for more than 15 years, during which she began to establish herself as a writer.

Flake has gained international acclaim for her books, engaging readers with her unique narrative style and dynamic characters. Her 1998 debut The Skin I'm In explores themes of colorism and self-worth, issues that continue to resonate with contemporary audiences. Flake's latest work, The Family I'm In, was released in April 2025 as a companion piece to her first novel. Other popular titles by Flake include Money Hungry (2001), Begging for Change (2003), and Bang! (2005).

Flake was the winner of the 1992 August Wilson Short Story Contest. She has received numerous awards for her publications, including a Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award and two Coretta Scott King Author Honors. Flake continues to inspire and expand the pragmatic reach of her works through community outreach and school visits.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged into 18 series:

I. The Skin I'm In (published 1998)

II. Money Hungry (published 2001)

III. Begging for Change (published 2003)

IV. Who Am I Without Him? (published 2004)

V. Bang! (published 2005)

VI. The Broken Bike Boy and the Queen of 33rd Street (published 2007)

VII. You Don't Even Know Me: Stories and Poems About Boys (published 2010)

VIII. Pinned (published 2012)

IX. Unstoppable Octobia May (published 2014)

X. You Are Not a Cat! (published 2016)

XI. "A Boy's Duty," from Fresh Ink: An Anthology (published 2018)

XII. The Life I'm In (published 2021)

XIII. Once in a Blue Moon (published 2023)

XIV. Other Writings

XV. Articles About Sharon Flake

XVI. Personal Papers

XVII. Correspondence

XVIII. Speaking Engagements

XIX. Photographic and Recorded Media

XX. Realia/Artifacts (Oversized)

XXI. Publications [FORTHCOMING]

Scope and Contents

Materials in this collection document the literary career and professional activities of children's author Sharon G. Flake. Included are published works, early and unpublished manuscripts, promotional and publicity materials, personal papers, correspondence, records of speaking engagements, realia, and audio-video materials.

Preferred Citation

Sharon G. Flake Papers, 1969-2024, SC.2002.02, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System

Copyright

The University of Pittsburgh holds the property rights to the material in this collection, but the copyright may still be held by the original creator/author. Researchers are therefore advised to follow the regulations set forth in the U.S. Copyright Code when publishing, quoting, or reproducing material from this collection without the consent of the creator/author or that go beyond what is allowed by fair use.

Access Restrictions

No restrictions.

Subjects

    Personal Names

    • Flake, Sharon G.

    Genres

    • Manuscripts (Documents)
    • Correspondence
    • Personal papers
    • Speeches (documents)
    • Promotional Materials

    Other Subjects

    • Authors
    • Women authors, American -- 21st century
    • African Americans authors -- Juvenile fiction
    • African American women authors -- Juvenile fiction
    • Young adult literature -- Black authors
    • Young adult literature -- Women authors, Black
    • Children's literature -- Authorship
    • Young adult literature -- Authorship

Container List

Series XXI Publications [FORTHCOMING], 1998-2023