In 'The Hate U Give', Starr Carter witnesses the police shooting of her best friend, Khalil, an event that shatters her world and ignites a firestorm of controversy. Torn between two identities—her poor, Black neighborhood and her predominantly white, affluent school—Starr grappled with her voice and what it means to stand up for justice. As the media frenzy escalates and protests erupt, Starr must navigate the dangerous waters of loyalty, fear, and courage. This powerful story explores themes of racism, identity, and activism in a world rife with inequality. Will Starr find the strength to speak the truth when it matters most?
By Angie Thomas
Published: 2017
"It's not about how you look or where you come from; it's about the choices you make and the courage you have to stand up for what's right."
8 starred reviews ∙ William C. Morris Award Winner ∙ National Book Award Longlist ∙ Printz Honor Book ∙ Coretta Scott King Honor Book ∙ #1 New York Times Bestseller! "Absolutely riveting!" —Jason Reynolds "Stunning." —John Green "This story is necessary. This story is important." —Kirkus (starred review) "Heartbreakingly topical." —Publishers Weekly (starred review) "A marvel of verisimilitude." —Booklist (starred review) "A powerful, in-your-face novel." —Horn Book (starred review) 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. And don't miss On the Come Up, Angie Thomas's powerful follow-up to The Hate U Give.
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Angie Thomas is a bestselling author and passionate advocate for social justice, best known for her debut novel, "The Hate U Give," which explores themes of race, identity, and activism through the eyes of a teenage girl witnessing police violence. Thomas's poignant storytelling and authentic voice resonate deeply with readers, particularly young adults. Her subsequent works, including "On the Come Up" and "Concrete Rose," further delve into the complexities of life in urban America, blending humor and heart with powerful social commentary. With a secondary focus on issues surrounding the Black experience, Thomas's writing style combines lyrical prose with relatable characters and diverse narratives.
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View Collection“It's not about how you look or where you come from; it's about the choices you make and the courage you have to stand up for what's right.”
The Hate U Give
By Angie Thomas
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