Citation: Thomas, A. (2017). The hate u give. Balzer + Bray.
Content Warning: Police brutality, racism, violence.
Being a teenager is typically complicated, but when your life is further complicated by issues of race and police brutality, it can be hard to cope. After attending a high school party, Starr Carter is driven home by Khalil, a childhood best friend. Before they can make it home safely, a police officer pulls them over. Despite cooperating with the officer, Khalil is eventually shot and killed by him after believing Khalil had a “gun” on him, all while Starr watches this unfold. Devastated by the loss of a friend, Starr must grieve her loss in the public eye as Khalil’s story of racisms and police brutality catches the attention of the public.
The Hate U Give is a candid and complex story of racism in America. This story came at a time where it was desperately needed and gives a voice to a topic that was (and still is) ignored. The writing is not the best, but the importance of the story it represents outweighs my qualms with its writing.