This book is powerful. It follows the story of a Black teen, Starr, growing up in Mississippi and grappling with the effects of racial violence. It’s a journey to finding one's voice, and using that voice for good. This book is a page turner, but it does cover some heavy topics. It does not shy away from displaying the effects of racial violence and uses strong language, but does so in a way where it is not overwhelming. In light of the past year, and the growing BLM movement, this book is a great way to educate yourself about social justice issues in this country in a fictional setting. The story itself instantly draws the reader in and invites them to take this journey alongside Starr. You’re always wanting to find out what happens next, and it’s a hard one to put down. I think The Hate U Give is a very worthwhile read, not just for teens, but for adults too, because it has an important message and is an entertaining read. Content warning: Violence, Language.- Anonymous, 12th grade teen volunteer
Publisher's description:
Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed. Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil's name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr. But what Starr does or does not say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.