LSSL 5385: Book 11

The Hate U Give

By Angie Thomas

Thomas, A. (2017). The Hate U Give. NY: Harper Collins.

Starr Carter is a sixteen year old African American girl stuck between two versions of herself. There is the Garden Heights version that she is around her family and neighborhood, and the Williamson version that she is at her prep school with her school friends. Starr is raised by her mother Lisa, a nurse, and her father Maverick an ex con and former member of the King Lords gang. Starr has an older brother Seven, who has a different mother, and a younger brother Sekani. She lives in Garden Heights with her family, which she refers to as the ghetto but also her home. Her mother drives forty five minutes in order for Starr and her brothers to attend a better school, which is a predominantly white private school, Williamson Prep.

One weekend her friend Kenya convinces her to attend a spring break party around Garden Heights. While at the party, Starr runs into her old childhood crush and friend Khalil. They pick up right where they left off and reminisce about their childhoods. All of a sudden a fight breaks out and shots are fired. Khalil takes Starr’s hand to get her out of there safely. They make it to his car, and he offers to give her a ride. On their drive, Tupac comes on the radio and Khalil shares what the rapper meant when he used the phrase “thug life.” Khalil broke it down for Starr and explained that it meant “The Hate U Give Little Infants F***** Everybody.” Starr hadn’t heard that before and was left pondering what it meant to her.

While they are driving a police car turns on their light, and Khalil has to pull over. Khalil doesn’t believe he did anything wrong, argues with the cop, and is asked to step out of the vehicle. As Officer 115 has patted down Khalil three times he goes to check his license and registration. Khalil turns back towards the car to check and make sure Starr is okay and the officer shoots him three times. Starr rushes to Khalil’s side where he is laying in the street covered in blood. Officer 115 is waiting for back up and has his gun pointed on Starr the entire time. Starr’s parents arrive on the scene, take her home, and are hesitant for anyone to discover that Starr witnessed Khalil’s murder.

The people of Garden Heights are outraged at Khalil’s murder, and want to seek justice for him. Starr is called in to talk to the police, but she doesn’t feel like it will make it a difference. Khalil’s murder quickly gets traction on social media sites, and becomes national news. Starr lies to her Williamson Prep friends that she knew Khalil, and keeps it a secret from her boyfriend Chris too. The murder has really shaken her up since is the second time she’s witnessed one of her best friends get shot. When she was ten years old her friend Natasha was shot in front of her during a drive by shooting when they were playing around a fire hydrant. She has nightmares now about Natasha and Khalil, and she is unable to save them. The media keeps portraying Khalil as a thug, gang banger, and a drug dealer, and making it seem as if it’s his fault for getting killed.

Starr is ready to defend Khalil’s honor and agrees to a live interview. During the interview she lets people know who the real Khalil was and why he was selling drugs. Starr mentions the King Lords, and it’s considered dry snitching. King threatens Starr’s family, and her father finally decides that it’s time to move out of Garden Heights. With the guidance and help of Starr’s parents, Ms. Ofrah, and her Uncle Carlos she testifies in front of a grand jury. After much deliberation, the jury fails to indict Officer 115 and riots and protests break out. The people of Garden Heights want to be heard, and Starr wants to use her voice. Ms. Ofrah gives Starr the bullhorn and Starr uses the platform to speak her opinions. Tear gas is thrown, and Starr, Chris, Seven, and Devante get picked up and dropped off at her father’s store.

While they are recuperating from the tear gas, King sets fire to store. They can’t escape from the front door and the back door is locked, but their father arrives on the scene. Maverick is able to unlock the door in time, and all four teenagers make it out safely. The police arrive, and the community unites to speak out against King. King is arrested, and Devante offers to give up King’s stash house. After all the events that have happened, Starr is able to see who her true friends are and decides that Hailey should no longer be part of her life. During the riot, she and Chris become closer than ever, and her father is starting to accept her white boyfriend. The family decides to rebuild the store in Garden Heights, and Starr vows to always use her voice.

Thomas share’s a perspective on events that have been happening recently in today’s society. It’s sad that this has become a common occurrence, but she doesn’t point a finger and condemn all cops or all black people. There is bad in the world, and this novel focuses on the subjects of injustice and racism. I loved a quote from the novel by Starr’s mother, “Sometimes you can do everything right and things will still go wrong. The key is to never stop doing right.” Thomas’ novel is full of great advice for young readers growing up in today’s society. I’m a Potterhead, and really enjoyed her Harry Potter references throughout the book! Starr always had the love and support of her family, and their loyalty to one another was evident throughout the novel. Thomas definitely gives her reader a lot to think about as they read Starr’s story.

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