Scan barcode
A review by katykelly
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
4.0
4.5 stars
Powerful, upsetting contemporary story of racism, hate and courage
Starr lives in a ghetto but goes to school in a wealthy area, where she is the only black female student. Straddling both worlds with some success, the world is brutally torn apart as a friend is shot by the police after the car they are driving in together is pulled over.
As witness, she gives her statement - will her friend receive justice? Starr must tread a fine line between her home neighbourhood and that of her school, with threats to her family and herself, while grieving for her childhood friend and trying to understand a system that seems prejudiced against a young man for the colour of his skin and perceived flaws.
It's quite a shocking read, with real danger and violence. And the fact that this is the twenty-first century and still happening makes this a contemporary read that could generate important discussions.
I liked Starr as protagonist, and desperately wanted to know how the case against the police officer who killed Khalil would go, though we aren't permitted into the courtroom, only hearing about the case second hand. The story is about Starr and her friends and how they cope with the decision and their own moral decisions.
The link between the Tupac song and the title is well used in the book, both openly and as a theme. It makes it points well, and for a white British woman, this is far removed from my own experiences, as it will be for many teenagers reading it. I also liked Starr's dad, a former convict (the reasons for which come late in the book) and family, who were tight-knit and supportive.
It's a powerful story, and timely. Because of the language and violence, it would be suitable for ages 12 and above, possibly KS4 in particular.
With thanks to Walker Books for the advance reading copy.
Powerful, upsetting contemporary story of racism, hate and courage
Starr lives in a ghetto but goes to school in a wealthy area, where she is the only black female student. Straddling both worlds with some success, the world is brutally torn apart as a friend is shot by the police after the car they are driving in together is pulled over.
As witness, she gives her statement - will her friend receive justice? Starr must tread a fine line between her home neighbourhood and that of her school, with threats to her family and herself, while grieving for her childhood friend and trying to understand a system that seems prejudiced against a young man for the colour of his skin and perceived flaws.
It's quite a shocking read, with real danger and violence. And the fact that this is the twenty-first century and still happening makes this a contemporary read that could generate important discussions.
I liked Starr as protagonist, and desperately wanted to know how the case against the police officer who killed Khalil would go, though we aren't permitted into the courtroom, only hearing about the case second hand. The story is about Starr and her friends and how they cope with the decision and their own moral decisions.
The link between the Tupac song and the title is well used in the book, both openly and as a theme. It makes it points well, and for a white British woman, this is far removed from my own experiences, as it will be for many teenagers reading it. I also liked Starr's dad, a former convict (the reasons for which come late in the book) and family, who were tight-knit and supportive.
It's a powerful story, and timely. Because of the language and violence, it would be suitable for ages 12 and above, possibly KS4 in particular.
With thanks to Walker Books for the advance reading copy.