A review by rigbees
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I feel like this book has aged well in some ways, but feels like such a time capsule in others.  In part, I think one of its most important roles is to guard against an ahistorical understanding of BLM and other anti-police brutality movements. Since the 2020 surge in awareness, I feel like I've talked to many folks who act like the cause is relatively new. However, this book does a good job of pulling the thread between the deaths of civil rights leaders to today's struggles. It does feel like a very on-the-nose story, but that's how YA functions.

The parts that felt like a time capsule was anything that involved Tumblr. I think what felt off about it wasn't the specific site, but how it played out.