The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give
Angie Thomas
HarperCollins, 2017 444 pages
Grades 8-Up
Realistic Fiction

Debut author Angie Thomas pens an important and timely novel reflecting current news headlines and the Black Lives Matter movement. The title refers to a song by Tupac, which delivers the message that how society treats its citizens as youths will directly affect how they turn out as adults: hate breeding hate. Starr is a sixteen-year-old girl who resides in a poor urban neighborhood where her family has always lived and goes to school in the suburbs in a mostly white private school where she has met a white boyfriend. She is a different Starr depending on where she is. After a neighborhood party Starr accepts a ride home from her childhood friend Khalil. They are pulled over by a white police officer on a deserted street for no apparent reason and after being harassed a series of events leads to the shooting of Khalil. Starr is the only witness and must decide whether or not to come forward with the truth. She is afraid of the police if she relates the prejudice and harsh treatment of one of their own and she is afraid of the neighborhood gang who promises to mess up her family if she tells the truth about Khalil's gang affiliations, or lack thereof. Starr must decide who her friends are from both sides of her life and learn to stand up and fight appropriately for what is right. Meanwhile, Starr's family must decide whether or not to continue living in the neighborhood, especially after the mass destruction caused by the result of the trial verdict.

A story ripped straight from the headlines, Thomas fleshes out the Black Lives Matter movement in a relatable way to all teens, regardless of race. The reader feels, right along with Starr, what it is like to straddle both lives and to experience the violent death of a friend. Much more happens within the story than what time allows in my brief summary. This is not only a book reflecting our current social climate, but it is a family story and one of a community close-knit, yet in trouble. Thomas shows both sides of the issue and offers a character of a good cop by including Starr's beloved uncle, who is a man of integrity. While delivering a balanced account of the issues, Thomas makes sure the reader understands that prejudice is never okay. There are no easy answers and street life is respected, yet not glorified. Starr exhibits much character growth within the novel and finds her identity, courage, and voice as the story unfolds. This would be an important book for all young people to read and will be enjoyed by both genders. Although the topics raised and high quality of the writing would make it perfect for book discussion and classroom use, the length may deter such use. Because of the strong language and a little bit of sex, this book would be a better fit with slightly older teens, yet the message is important for all. Emotional, timely, and moving, this current best seller deserves its place on the list.