“The Hate U Give” is a powerful novel written by Angie Thomas inspired by the real-life police shooting of an unarmed African-American man in California. The story follows the life of 16-year-old Starr Carter, a black girl who witnesses her childhood friend being shot to death at the hands of a corrupt police officer. As Starr navigates the aftermath of the incident, she grapples with the pressure to speak out against the systemic racism experienced by the black communities in America, all the while facing repercussions within her own community.

While this book was written for teens, it is a must read for people of all ages as it tackles pervasive themes of racial injustice, activism, and identity. Through vivid imagery and multifaceted characters, “The Hate U Give” challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths about racism and standing up for what is right. I cannot recommend this book enough. It can be a hard read at times as the author doesn’t sugarcoat the horrors faced by the characters and the black community in real-life. Nonetheless, solely based on the message, this is a book everyone should read.