The Hate You Give / Angie Thomas / 2017

The Hate You Give / Angie Thomas / 2017

Banned in Utah, this is a gripping story of the realities of police brutality and crime in the hood. Written in a sometimes painfully sophomoric way, it's shortcomings are familiar to anyone versed in YA. Where it fails in craft, it makes up for in content, perfect for sparking nuanced conversations about race, violence and policing. That said, I hate how much it insists Tupac is still relevant. It comes off as a preachy old head. Why not connect Pac's legacy to that of a worthy new generation rapper. The conversations it opens are more complex than those of the movie. This book is great for its target audience. 3/5