THE HATE U GIVE

This searing contemporary novel follows sixteen-year-old Starr Carter, who navigates the starkly different worlds of her poor, predominantly Black neighborhood and her wealthy, mostly white prep school. Her already precarious balance shatters when she becomes the sole witness to the fatal police shooting of her unarmed childhood friend, Khalil. Forced to find her voice, Starr confronts the immense pressure from all sides—community, media, and the legal system—in a story that tackles systemic racism, police brutality, and code-switching with unflinching honesty.

Thomas crafts a narrative that is both a deeply personal coming-of-age story and a powerful social commentary, giving a resonant voice to the Black Lives Matter movement. The novel's raw authenticity and Starr's compelling, relatable perspective make it an essential and transformative read for any young adult seeking to understand modern racial injustice. It’s a conversation starter that doesn’t just invite discussion—it demands it, leaving a lasting impact on how readers see the world.