Angie Thomas pulls no punches in The Hate U Give.When I was one hundred pages in, I emailed a former student who noted a need for more black narrators in my library, recommending she read it. The next day another former student, who's long graduated from South, posted a video on Facebook of a woman protesting in the wake of no charges being filed in the Philando Castille case; I messaged her about this book as well.
I think this text could be a powerful springboard for discussion about racial tensions, stereotyping, and how our prejudices and biases (and sometimes ignorance, fear, resentment, etc.) often stunt candid and eye-opening conversation. One of my first thoughts was, "Who's taking over Diversity Club now that Rikaia has graduated?" Thomas creates awesome examples for character study and rich opportunities for open dialogue. And I found it more than a classroom library choice; discussion around it deserves a variety of voices--not just freshmen or adults, black or white students, etc. A diverse group feeling safe to share their take and their suggestions about these issues could be some pretty powerful stuff.
Narrated by sixteen-year-old Starr, The Hate U Give includes a LOT of profanity and references to drugs, gangs, violence, and criminal behaviors in its depiction of the struggles in Starr's community.
It's a weighty read at 440 pages, but it's a perfect example of a book riveting enough to keep kids engaged through the extra time and effort it takes to complete it. I do think that because of its complexity and more volatile subject matter, kids should have some guidance in the discussion.
I love this book. There are a couple spots where this pushing-50-white-midwestern-Catholic-school-girl teacher metaphorically clutched at her pearls--but again, great opportunities to start some meaningful conversations.
I have three copies right now--happy to drive toward Waukesha to lend them out. :-)
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