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[Young Adult Fiction (Ages 12-17)][Read by Bahni Turpin]The Hate U Give is a groundbreaking, thought-provoking debut novel inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, about a teen girl who is the only witness to her friend's fatal shooting by a police officer.Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor black neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend, Khalil, at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.Soon afterward, Khalil's death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Starr's best friend at school suggests he may have had it coming. When it becomes clear the police have little interest in investigating the incident, protesters take to the streets and Starr's neighborhood becomes a war zone. What everyone wants to know is: What really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.But what Starr does -- or does not -- say could destroy her community. It could also endanger her life.

The Hate U Give: A Powerful Story of Racial Injustice and Resilience

Angie Thomas's debut novel, "The Hate U Give," is a powerful and thought-provoking story that delves into the complexities of racial injustice and police brutality in contemporary America. Through the eyes of Starr Carter, a 16-year-old African American girl, the novel explores the stark realities of living in two different worlds – her predominantly black neighborhood and her predominantly white school.

Starr's life is turned upside down when she witnesses the fatal shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil, by a white police officer. As she navigates the aftermath of this traumatic event, Starr finds herself caught between two worlds, struggling to reconcile her loyalty to her community with her desire for justice. She must decide whether to speak out against the police officer's actions, even if it means putting her own life at risk.

"The Hate U Give" is a gripping and unflinching portrayal of race relations in America. Thomas's writing is raw, honest, and deeply moving. She shines a light on the systemic racism that permeates society and the devastating consequences it can have on individuals and communities. The novel is a call to action, urging readers to confront injustice and fight for change.

The book has received widespread critical acclaim and has garnered numerous awards, including the National Book Award for Young People's Literature and the Coretta Scott King Award. It has also been adapted into a critically acclaimed film starring Amandla Stenberg as Starr Carter.

If you are looking for a powerful and thought-provoking read that will challenge your perspectives and inspire you to make a difference, "The Hate U Give" is an absolute must-read.