Nancy answers “Does this book teach something new or is...”

A Goodreads user asked this question about The Hate U Give (The Hate U Give, #1):

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.

Nancy What happens to the young people in this story is not new. It confirms what most of our black students have to face every day, ever since the integrat…moreWhat happens to the young people in this story is not new. It confirms what most of our black students have to face every day, ever since the integration of Little Rock Central HS in 1957. It is told in a balanced, realistic way. Starr could be a student in any teacher's classroom, and any teacher would be blessed to have such a student in his/her classroom. No exaggeration or "attention getting" aspects in this superbly composed book. Nor is it "preachy." The characters and what happens to them is just "fuh real," as is what happened to Khalil. I wish every middle school and high school student - especially white students - COULD BE REQUIRED to read this, to see a very accurate portrayal of how 12%-15% (based on 2010 census) of the US population is forced to live due to the racism so prevalent in the US. Of course, here in the "gret stet of Tixas," that would never happen. More's the tragedy of that political state of mind. Angie, keep on writing! We need to keep hearing your voice!(less)

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