The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas
I really enjoyed this
novel and believe that it's a strongly important book about the atrocities that
black citizens face regularly due to the stereotype and their skin color.
Thomas does an excellent job of engaging the reader to the story. The book is
very relevant in 2018.
This book should be read by all, especially American
citizens. The fact that black citizens are incredibly oppressed by the system
is a truth and should be recognized. Recognition is the first step towards
change. If we recognize, we are already halfway there.
Reviewed by Melody S., Grade 10
Montrose Library
Comments
I personally thought the book was alright. I have read a lot of book and I would say it wasn't the best but is no doubt worth the read. I enjoyed the emotions conveyed by all the characters and how you could really put yourself into the situations of the characters which really connects you to the book. In conclusion, I recommend this to anyone who wants to be really connect with a book that makes you not want to put the book down.
Reviewed by E.B., Grade 9
Grandview Library
Starr Carter is a sixteen-year-old girl. Although she lives in a black, poor neighborhood, she goes to a school filled with white and rich kids. She’s conflicted because of this; it’s as if she lives two lives. After driving back home from a shooting at a party, a police officer stops Starr and Khalil, Starr’s childhood best friend. Starr was careful around the officer, but Khalil wasn’t, so the white police officer shot him with no hesitation. The police officer claimed that he was armed and ready to shoot him, but Khalil was completely unarmed. Starr was scarred; another best friend was killed and taken away from her. Everyone wants to know exactly what happened the night Khalil was shot, but Starr isn’t ready to be interviewed. People gather everyday protesting and saying Justice for Khalil. Starr was the only witness and if she keeps on staying quiet the police officer will continue being seen as the victim instead of Khalil.
This book portrays the ongoing racism and police violence. One thing that I liked in this book is that it’s set in modern times and it shows that this is still an issue a part of our society goes through every day and that the problem is not resolved yet. I also like this book because it shows that it’s important to stand up for what is fair and what you believe in. I recommend this book to teenagers and up and to people who want to read about what it’s like to go by as a teenager who lives life in both sides of the community, poor and rich.
Reviewed by AK, Grade 9
Montrose Library
This book was an amazing book. It had a well-written, meaningful story, and exposed many problems we have today in our society and law system. Starr's point of view as a young black girl who has interacted with totally different kinds of people was also very interesting to read about- from the poor, drug-dealing hood she grew up in to the upper-class, prim, white neighborhood she goes to school in. I think people who like realistic novels, and novels written from a teen's point of view, would love this book. It was a different book than what I normally read, but I still really enjoyed it and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Reviewed by NK, Grade 10
Montrose Library
Personally, I enjoyed this book because it's not only educational but it has a very good story line. Before reading the book, I was aware of police brutality towards African Americans but I didn't know much. While reading it, I learned some things about it. It was also interesting because of the background of Starr. She lives in a poor neighborhood where gangs are a thing. And if she wants to get justice for Khalil she has to give details that can expose those gangs. The book gives you a perspective of the life of a black teenage girl. The book gives you one example of police violence and trying to get justice and liberty for an innocent person. It really shows how unfair law enforcement is towards African Americans. And it sucks because if you compare it to real life, these tragic incidents have happened several times.
Reviewed by A.C., Grade 9
Casa Verdugo Library
In my opinion, I truly enjoyed this book because I was able to have a different perspective on people in my own community. This book open my eyes to a world that I had never seen before, not only is it written just as a book but it’s based on a true story which makes it all the more real. The author writes with such deep history and with so much background that it feels like you’re one of the characters in the novel. I was truly inspired by this book and I’ve become an activist for my own community here at home.
Reviewed by SS, Grade 9
Montrose Library
This is a riveting and painfully honest book that portrays systemic racism in an informative and raw way. It is heartbreaking and upsetting to read as the murder of an unarmed black man by a police officer tries to be covered up, and all of the pressure is on a 16 year old girl, Starr Carter, who has to deal with trauma, racism, and disloyal friends. She also has to deal with many micro aggressions from her classmates and scrutiny from the police. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone because it is compelling and a very meaningful read.
Reviewed by SM, Grade 7
Grandview Library