The Hate U Give is a powerful, thought-provoking novel that tackles issues of racism, police brutality, and activism. Told from the perspective of 16-year-old Starr Carter, who witnesses the shooting of her childhood friend Khalil by a police officer, the book explores racism and injustice in America. Starr must navigate two vastly different worlds - the poor, predominantly Black neighborhood where she lives, and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. This shapes her adolescence as Starr decides if and how to speak up about what happened to Khalil. Starr's parents, especially her ex-gang member father Maverick, provide moral guidance and wisdom. Starr's white boyfriend Chris allies himself with the cause but struggles with his own life.
I really enjoyed this book because it puts readers in Starr's shoes, allowing them to feel the trauma of Khalil's death, the barriers to justice, and the wrenching choices faced by Black Americans trying to make their voices heard. The book has an amazing message about the value of speaking up against injustice and channeling anger to drive positive change. This book made me realize the struggle that many people go through and understand how big of a problem this is. I would recommend this book to everyone, not just teens because it's an essential reading experience and a call to action for readers of all backgrounds.