When sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between her poor neighborhood and her fancy suburban prep school, she's learned to navigate two very different worlds. But that delicate balance is shattered when she witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.
What happens next will change everything. Khalil's death becomes a national headline, with some calling him a thug and others protesting in his name. As Starr struggles with what she saw that night, she must decide whether to speak the truth or stay silent. Her choice could upend her community, but it could also endanger her life.
This isn't just another novel - it's a phenomenon. With 8 starred reviews, this book has been called 'absolutely riveting,' 'stunning,' and 'necessary.' It earned the prestigious Printz Honor, Coretta Scott King Honor, and was a National Book Award longlist selection. As a #1 New York Times bestseller and Goodreads Choice Awards winner, The Hate U Give has sparked conversations nationwide about justice, identity, and finding your voice.
Angie Thomas crafts a story with such authenticity and heart that readers feel like they're right there with Starr in the Garden Heights neighborhood. The novel doesn't shy away from difficult topics, but handles them with grace and truthfulness. Whether you're looking for a book that reflects our times or simply a powerful coming-of-age story that will stay with you long after you finish the last page, The Hate U Give delivers on every level.
Can't get enough of Garden Heights? The powerful prequel Concrete Rose tells the story of Maverick and Seven, giving readers even deeper insight into the world that Starr calls home. Once you start this series, you won't want to leave.
