Angie Thomas, the author of the award winning book, The Hate U Give, wrote this book in remembrance of Oscar Grant, an unfortunate police shooting. After receiving over 200 rejections, she eventually published her book in September of 2018. This book encompasses the struggles of African American people in a modern day society. The main character Starr constantly alternates personas as she juggles the life of a rich prep school student, and a resident of her penurious neighborhood. In addition to her already balancing two lifestyles, Starr goes through an unexpected turn of events. As her friend suddenly dies at the hands of a policeman, Starr immediately feels the urge to do something about it. In her efforts to seek justice for her friend she is faced with the challenge of standing up to the grand jury. She must push past her lifelong fear of public speaking and in this journey realizes what’s most important in life. In understanding herself she comes to the conclusion that in tough situations you must be tougher.
By Teen Reviewer Sarisha