Powerful, Personal, and World-view Changing

Starr Carter (16) lives in a black neighborhood with poor families where crime runs rampant. Her parents, with their own complicated lives, work hard to get her into a top-notch school with privileged kids in the suburbs. Starr switches between these two worlds constantly, managing to get by.

When gang violence erupts near a party she's attending, childhood friend Khalil Harris offers to drive her home. On the way, a police officer wearing badge 1-15 pulls them over. As Khalil questions his motivations, 1-15 searches him and tells him not to move. When the officer returns to his car, Khalil checks on Starr, the officer shoots and kills Khalil. The event triggered nightmares for Starr about Natasha, another childhood friend who was killed in a gang crossfire.

After the event, Starr's world is turned upside down. Accusations and insults are thrown around her neighborhood as people protest on different sides. Starr was the only one who truly knew what went on that night and she knows Khalil wasn’t the one at fault. The officer was the one responsible for this whole mess and he isn’t going to make up for it. Starr is afraid to speak up and relive Khalil’s brutal death. Her words could change everything or be the end of it all. 

BTSYA / Teen Reader (16):
The Hate U Give is an incredibly eye-opening and powerful story. It gave me an insight into the reality of police violence and is something I will never forget when I see/hear about shootings. Thomas talks about a variety of issues, including differences in wealth, treatment, and the lives of people from different races.

Along with bringing light to the controversial issue, The Hate U Give is also a very well written story. Every character seems so real. They all had relationships and bad, good, funny, sad, and happy moments. Sometimes I couldn’t help but smile at the funny moments. I also cried, smiled and in general felt what they felt along every step of the way. I was simply attached to these characters and their lives. They each taught me about the value of family, bravery, and so much more.

There are controversial - and some may say offensive - themes: police brutality, race, violence, and mature language are some examples. They are used thoughtfully to make a greater impact on the reader and shouldn’t stop you from reading this book. None of the negatives make the story’s greater message any less important. I highly suggest this book for anyone, if they are 13 years or older. For those looking for a heartbreaking but world-changing story, this book is for you.

Realistic characters and powerful events will resonate with readers and make them feel they have first-hand experience in a ripped-from-the-headline type story.

The story's themes and events are provocative and may make some readers uncomfortable. The use of violence and profanity are tied to the story and are not used gratuitously. NOTE: The reading level is mid-level elementary, but this is a story for older readers, 8th grade and up.