Questions About The Hate U Give

by Angie Thomas (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (137)

Does this book teach something new or is it worth reading? I'm hoping it doesn't capitalize on social/political/racial issues just for attention. I want something outside of the expected canon without being preachy.

K Jay It is not preachy at all. But then again it is a topic that can stand to be preached about since lots of people seem to miss the point, and are not em…moreIt is not preachy at all. But then again it is a topic that can stand to be preached about since lots of people seem to miss the point, and are not empathetic AT ALL.
This is a wonderfully told story, with lots of different perspectives. Thought provoking. It does not capitalize on the social/political/racial issues. Although, all 3 need attention, because we STILL deal with these issues everyday.(less)

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Would this book be appropriate for a middle schooler? Language? Sexuality?

Sharon As a middle school librarian, I would not put this on my shelves. There is far too much foul language that goes beyond the normal YA read. The constan…moreAs a middle school librarian, I would not put this on my shelves. There is far too much foul language that goes beyond the normal YA read. The constant F bombs (and even Mother F bomb) make this inappropriate for 6th and 7th graders. Yes, they hear this kind of language on the streets but when youngsters read it in print, it makes the statement that this kind of language is condoned and acceptable for normal conversation. I agree that it is an awesome story that needs to be told, but for middle schoolers I would lean toward Jason Reynold's "All American Boys" instead of this book. Save this one for high school.(less)

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Is this a good book? I feel like many African Americans are more inclined to follow popular trends today than ever. Clearly this book came out when all the race polarization stuff is happening, and I just want to make sure this book has actual factual sense in it, or just another book capitalizing off current events.

K Jay As an a African American I would like to point out that most African-Americans know that this has been a problem for the last 60, 70, 80 years. So wha…moreAs an a African American I would like to point out that most African-Americans know that this has been a problem for the last 60, 70, 80 years. So what trend exactly do you think we are following in this case? To scream and stomp and ask our white friends and neighbors to pay attention to our plight and to realize that we are not making this up, to realize that as a community we are generally lumped together and judged ss a whole race by the worst of us? That the black people you take the time to get to know become the "good ones" and not realizing that most of us are the "good ones" that we want the same thing for our lives and our children's lives as anyone else, but because the media focuses on the bad ones it portrays ALL OF US in that same light.
So the book is not capitalizing on situations that have been ongoing, what the book is doing is taking the opportunity to present a story to people that are open to listening to a prospective they generally don't know of.
If someone could please help me down from this soapbox ...I would appreciate it. I have a bad knee you know...(less)

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I'm avoiding this book because I am worried that it's going to be liberal/social justice-y rhetoric, and I swear if I read one more review saying 'reverse racism doesn't exist', I'm just going to take this off my to-read list. Can someone answer this for me - if my opinions and beliefs lie outside of the liberal/SJW sphere, should I even bother reading this?

michelle Are you uncomfortable with reading anything that may challenge your beliefs or are you interested in learning about issues people that don't resemble …moreAre you uncomfortable with reading anything that may challenge your beliefs or are you interested in learning about issues people that don't resemble you may have? I find it alarming that you find a story about the killing of an unarmed teen to be "liberal rhetoric." That is really sad. (less)

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Is this book something that inspires people to hate police officers? I have a police officer (someone who is a good person) in the family. I try and keep my middle school child away from the news that talks about all the awful things being done to police offers. I don't want him reading something that is going to make him think his family member is awful just because of his profession.

Lucy This could be a good introduction to why animus against police officers exists, as it describes the frustration and anger within Black communities in …moreThis could be a good introduction to why animus against police officers exists, as it describes the frustration and anger within Black communities in a very personal and humanizing way. In no way does it say that all police officers are bad - the main character herself has an uncle who is a police officer, whom she loves and trusts very much.(less)

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