In a time where no-one will listen, will you find your voice? Starr Carter is a black 16-year-old. She has a mum, dad, and two brothers. She lives in two very different places; her fancy high school, and her poor suburb overrun by gangs. She has a white boyfriend (much to the disgust of her dad). She has also lost two friends in fatal shootings.

For her, it isn’t unusual for her dad to carry a gun. It isn’t unusual for gangs to drive past in their trucks, yelling and cursing. It is basic knowledge to know that when a police officer addresses you, you need to keep your hands visible, to speak only when spoken to. And to follow their commands, no matter what. Khahil, her friend, didn’t follow this knowledge when he and Starr found themselves in this situation. And he died because of it.

Khahil was not a drug dealer, or part of a gang. But it hadn’t mattered, because being black was enough of an excuse for a guilty police officer to get off without any charges. But not enough for Khahil, three bullets in his back, to get any dignity or right.

Thrown into a whirlpool of grief, worry, and fear, Starr must find the strength to speak up about race equality, whilst battling racist friends and bullying gangs.

The Hate U Give has it all; high school, bad friends, family devotion, fights, love, Black Lives Matter and also, urban settings such as gangs, guns and rundown streets. I absolutely loved this book! I’m impressed at how the author managed to incorporate so many smaller stories into one, while showing so many issues that everyday families may have.

Reviewed by Ella, Year 7
St Columba’s Catholic College, Springwood NSW
Age Guide 14+