Tuesday, March 10, 2020

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Title: The Hate U Give
Author: Angie Thomas
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: February 28, 2017

Format: Hardcover
Price: $18.99
Page Count: 464 pages
ISBN-13: 9780062498533

Reading Level: Grades 9 and up (ages 14+)
Lexile: 
Interest Level: Grades 9 and up (ages 14+)

Annotation: Starr witnesses her best friend, Khalil, being murdered by a white police officer.

Plot and Content Summary: It feels like Starr lives two different lives—the first is with her peers at her predominantly-white private school; the second, with her friends and family in her mostly black, poor neighborhood. When she sees her best friend, Khalil, shot by a white police officer, Starr's two lives come together as she grapples with the truth of what happened. She is scared to speak out and attract attention, but she knows it would be wrong to stay silent.

Evaluation: An incredibly important book shedding light on the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Thomas writes in a very teen-friendly, conversational tone, making it easy to understand and enjoy. Although the topics presented in The Hate U Give are dark, it is balanced well with funny moments and sweet family conversations. While the story develops because of Khalil and the police officer, we also learn a lot about Starr and her family—the struggles they face, what family really means, and how they support each other.

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: Although scared, Starr uses any platform she has to bring truth to Khalil's case. It is not easy to stand up for something you believe in, especially as a young person, but Starr knows it is important. For teens who need strength to speak out on big issues, The Hate U Give can be an encouragement.

Issues Present: The Hate U Give was "banned and challenged because it was deemed "anti-cop," and for profanity, drug use, and sexual references" ("Top Ten Most Challenged Books Lists," n. d.).

There have been so many unarmed black men—some teenagers—in the United States who have been killed by police brutality: Trayvon Martin, Philando Castile, etc. Khalil died a fictional death, but these men did not. This is what is happening in our world, and The Hate U Give is meant to open our eyes.

Book Talk Ideas: "I always said that if I saw it happen to somebody, I would have the loudest voice, making sure the world knew what went down. Now I am that person, and I'm too afraid to speak." (p. 34)

  • Why do you think Thomas chose "The Hate U Give" as the title for this story? (p. 17)
  • How does Starr's confidence change when she witnesses the death of Khalil? (p. 34)
  • "Sometimes you can do everything right and things will still go wrong. The key is to never stop doing right." (p. 154) What do you think this quote means?
  • How does Starr's family influence the decisions she makes?
  • Discuss the following quote: "What's the point of having a voice if you're gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn't be?" (p. 252)

Genre/Subgenres: African American fiction; First person narratives; Realistic fiction

Readalikes: Dear Martin by Nic Stone, Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles, Amelia Westlake Was Never Here by Erin Gough, The Truth of Right Now by Kara Lee Corthron

References
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