Everyone at my school, in every grade, read The Hate U Give last summer. I haven’t talked to a single student who didn’t like it.
The narrator, Starr, who closely reflects many of the experiences of the author, Angie Thomas, is in every way relatable. As we join her at a party in the opening of the novel, it’s easy to relax and follow along with her commentary on the social scene and her various friendships. Which makes what happens next all the more stunning.
The shocking violent event at the beginning of the novel paves the way for all that follows. While it would be easy to give up on this book at that painful moment, the rest is what makes it an amazing read. Starr cannot give up, and she does not. As we read on, we watch her come to many realizations about her friends, family, school, and society. They filter through her daily life, her interactions with her best friends and her boyfriend, her family and her community. As a reader, I was riveted. And I was changed.
Putting The Hate U Give on your reading bookshelf, or incorporating it into your curriculum, is a powerful thing to do for your students. For those who might feel their stories are unrecognized or misunderstood, Starr’s stunning tale can’t help but make a difference. For those who have not faced an uphill struggle for safety and recognition, Starr’s story is eye-opening. Either way, it’s a win.
The Hate U Give joins a short list of books in my mind that have truly powerful teenage voices, talking about things that really matter. I’d put it in the group with The Fault in Our Stars, The Outsiders, Go Ask Alice, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Slam, as some of the most popular student choice selections for books that take on a significant issue in teenage life.
Thomas wrapped up her lecture with another charge to our students. Prefacing it with a smile and the fact that she knew it was corny, she said “The most important letter in social justice is ‘u.'”
It was obvious that our students loved her. She spoke eloquently and frankly, showing exactly how you can be honest about things that really matter, exactly how you can channel your own creativity and voice into changing the world.
So are you ready? Ready to pick up your copy and add it to your choice reading library? Or better yet, add it to your curriculum (be prepared for some mature language)?
When I shared this title in my Facebook group, Creative High School English, one teacher soon reported back that one of her students who had never liked reading had quickly finished it and was asking for more like it. Hurrah! That’s what we’re going for. I hope it will be one of your students next.
Need a fun activity for your independent reading program? Something that will let you check in with your student readers quickly and easily, without feeling like the book police? Try out “Book Hashtags.” Sign up below and I’ll send it to you today.
