The Hate U Give is a debut young adult novel written by Angie Thomas.  The protagonist is sixteen-year Starr Carter who delicately tries to find the balance between two worlds: the suburban neighbourhood that she’s always called home and the fancy prep school which she attends. 

Starr is a witness to the murder of her unarmed friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. She is deeply affected by this utterly heartbroken, but this doesn’t leave her broken she is determined to use her voice to makes sure that Khalil story is heard, and his memory doesn’t fade into the background. This begins to raise questions in Starr’s mind about race, police brutality and the cost that these have on her community. As well as will Khalil receive the justice he deserves. 

 What I loved most about this novel is seeing Starr grow into a person that is force to be reckoned with. Her feelings are so true and honest, and she does not apologise for how she feels or hold back emotions. You see her eyes open to the world around her and decides not to just take things for what they are but use her experience to not only get justice for her friend but to help others in the community. We learn a lot from her including always standing up for what is right.

Its unnerving to read the difficulties of raising a black child in America and coaching them on the dos and don’ts if they are ever confronted by the law. Angie Thomas doesn’t shy away from the everyday racism that black people experience and the stereotypical viewpoint of others. This novel effortlessly highlights the realities of police brutality and racism as well as opening up important conversations that should be had today.