The Hate U Give

Starr Carter is sixteen year old girl who has a hard time finding balance in her life. She lives in a poor black neighborhood but attends a rich prep school. Her two worlds come crashing together when she leaves a party with her childhood best friend Khalil, who is shot by a white police officer while being unarmed. His death becomes a national headline and he is labeled as a drug dealer and gang-banger. She was the only witness when it happened and she knows that the media has twisted the entire story around in the officer’s favor. Starr already had a hard time fitting into her worlds but when her school friends say that Khalil had it coming it and her neighborhood friends call her chicken for not speaking up she becomes hurt and angry. She is stuck in the middle not knowing what to choose, if she speaks up her life could be put in danger if she doesn’t speak up she is a coward. She faces so much adversity but in the end she is an inspiration to  others on finding their voice as well as fighting for change. 

This book contains social and political criticism on issues such as racism, police brutality and discrimination. I believe there should be more books like this that way it can make teens aware of current issues and encourage them to get involved in their community to make a change. 

Thomas, A. (2017). The hate u give. NY: HarperCollins

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Special Note: There is a movie adaption that will produced. Movie Details