YA Novel- The Hate U Give

Response

Saying this is an amazing book is an understatement. This is THE book that should be read by every young adult and adult right now in our current social climate. Police brutality and racism are at the forefront of current social injustices. People are joining forces and protesting the disproportionate abuse against people of color and minorities by police. The inequalities in racial treatment are disgusting and should not be ignored any longer. This book just might help wake up a lot of people who do not understand why the Black Lives Matter movement has gained popularity. The books messages are heart wrenching and blatantly honest. Young men and women are dying at the hands of police officers because of the color of their skin. The novel honestly depicts racial profiling, the differences in upper and lower class mindsets, attitudes towards the police, gang violence, the right to peacefully protest, and how murder at the hands of those meant to serve the community is tragic. Every citizen should take a long look at themselves and analyze how they can help improve the situation. Solidarity is crucial. Silence is part of the problem. Demand transparency! Stand up for what is right. Protest!

No Justice No Peace!

Critique

The novel centers around the life and events of a sixteen-year-old black woman, Starr Carter. She is faced with many challenges: she witnesses her friend’s unjustified death by a police officer, she lives in a predominately low-income, black neighborhood but attends a private school with upper class, mostly white students, she is afraid to speak out on the death of her friend due to gang threats, her friends cannot identify with her situation, and she is attempting to find her unique voice. The reader will enjoy experiencing how Starr grows from her adversity and finds the words she wants the world to hear. Angie Thomas writes her dialogue in a realistic tone, including slang and references that emerge from American black culture. Reading this novel can be a tool to gain empathy by connecting to some of the sad realities that many minority youth face in our society.

Lesson Sketch

After reading The Hate U Give, students will select a social injustice or inequality with which they identify or find important to research and prepare an informative 3-5 minute oral and physical/digital presentation based on a written narrative, evidence, and arguments from their perspective .

Suggestions to enhance the presentation: create a protest sign, show images supporting the selected movement, think of ideas on how to approach the problem, research non-profits that support the movement, find ways to get involved, write a letter directed to local city council members, write and recite a poem on the subject, or create artwork to present to the class.

Discussion Questions: What does social injustice or inequality mean? Can you describe any in our society? How can we change these inequalities?

11th and 12th Grade:

CCSS.ELA.W.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence (e.g.,reflective, historical investigation, response to literature presentations), conveying a clear and distinct perspective and a logical argument, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks. Use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation. a.Plan and deliver a reflective narrative that: explores the significance of a personal experience, event, or concern; uses sensory language to convey a vivid picture; includes appropriate narrative techniques (e.g., dialogue, pacing, description); and draws comparisons between the specific incident and broader themes.

Resources

Black Lives Matter

DC Educators for Social Justice

Black Lives Matter at Schools