Angie Thomas

The 28 Best Young Adult Books for All Ages

26 Best YA Books - Top YA Books for Teens

Best YA Novels Of All Time - 45 YA Books Every Adult Should Read

Discoveryblogyoung adult books

The Hate U Give, Book 1

A black teenager named Starr Carter finds herself at a party in her neighborhood, Garden Heights, feeling out of sync due to her time at a predominantly white school. Amidst the fun, she reconnects with her long-lost friend, Khalil Harris. Their reunion is cut short by gang gunfire, and Khalil insists on driving her home. During their drive, Khalil shares an idea from rapper Tupac Shakur about "Thug Life" being an indictment of societal oppression. Their conversation is abruptly halted when a white police officer, identified as One-Fifteen, pulls them over, questions Khalil's actions, and ultimately shoots him dead. 

Haunted by the night's events and memories of a past friend's death in a gang-related incident, Starr finds herself alienated from her white friends and boyfriend at school. Encouraged by her police officer uncle, she bravely testifies about Khalil's shooting, but is disheartened when the officers seem more interested in Khalil's past than the incident itself. During Khalil's funeral, it's announced that the police won't pursue action against One-Fifteen, instigating outrage and protests in Garden Heights. Starr's father, a former gang member, educates her about systemic racism, and she becomes intent on speaking out against it. 

After the District Attorney announces that a grand jury will hear the case against One-Fifteen, Starr agrees to testify, represented by activist lawyer April Ofrah. Starr's revelation about Khalil's coerced involvement in drug dealing triggers retaliation from a local gang, but despite her fears, she commits to telling her truth. Despite her compelling testimony, the grand jury decides not to indict One-Fifteen, triggering riots. Amidst the chaos, Starr courageously leads a protest chant, and narrowly escapes a gang-related arson attack on her family's store. The community rallies to expose the gang leader, leading to his arrest. Despite the destruction of their store, the resilient Carter family vows to rebuild and Starr resolves to continue her fight for justice.

The Hate U Give

Bri Jackson, a 16-year-old girl from Garden Heights, dreams of becoming a successful rapper like her late father Lawless, an underground sensation. She anxiously waits for an invitation to showcase her talent in the Ring, a local club known for rap battles, while attending an ACT prep class to recover her smartphone seized by her teacher. Despite her mother and teacher's emphasis on education, her heart is set on rap for the sake of her family's dire financial situation. Bri's chance finally arrives, and despite the initial shock of her opponent Milez's lyrics about her father's death, she manages to outperform him and wins the battle, instantly becoming a local sensation.

However, Bri's moment of glory comes to a halt when she is unfairly targeted by two school security guards who subject her to a violent search alleging she had contraband in her bag. Shaken by the incident and the ensuing rumors of her being a drug dealer, she channels her anger into a rap song titled "On the Come Up". The song, addressing her experience of racism and boasting about carrying a firearm, goes viral after being shared by her father's former manager, Supreme. While her friends are supportive, some of her relatives criticize her for misrepresenting herself and promoting gang violence.

As her family's financial struggles intensify, Bri wrestles with staying true to herself or conforming to the stereotype of a gangster rapper to accelerate her career. Bri is reluctantly persuaded to record a song not resonating with her own experiences, but at the last moment, she decides to freestyle her own lyrics, affirming her refusal to fit into people's expectations. This defiance costs her a potential record deal, but it also reaffirms her determination to succeed in the rap industry on her own terms, a decision that is applauded by a celebrity who hails her as the future of hip-hop.

On the Come Up

A Guided Journal for Writing Your Truth

Find Your Voice

The Hate U Give, Book 2

Maverick Malcolm Carter, or Mav, is a seventeen-year-old who spends his days playing basketball in Rose Park and dealing weed as part of the King Lords gang. His father, Adonis, a senior gang member, has been incarcerated since Mav was a child. Mav's life takes a dramatic turn when King’s on-and-off girlfriend, Iesha, abandons their baby, named King Jr., with Mav. After a DNA test, Mav discovers he’s the actual father. Encouraged by his cousin, Dre, who has abandoned the gang life to care for his own family, Mav decides to take responsibility for his son, renaming him Seven, and leaves the gang life behind.

However, the transition isn't easy. Mav's girlfriend, Lisa, leaves him after learning about Seven, and Dre, who was his support system, is killed, presumably by a rival gang member. Still, Mav perseveres, juggling school, a part-time job at Mr. Wyatt’s grocery store, and caring for Seven. Unprotected sex with Lisa results in another pregnancy, but Lisa refuses to reconcile with Mav until he fully disentangles himself from the gang. Meanwhile, Mav suspects that Dre's killer is Red, who sold him fake Air Jordans and is now seen flaunting Dre's gold watch.

Despite the many challenges, Mav slowly starts to turn his life around. He drops out of school but is determined to get his GED and secure a future for his family. His resolve strengthens when he's unable to take revenge on Red, his presumed friend's killer. Having decided to distance himself from the gang, Mav returns his drug stash to King, leading to a falling out. Though he's lost much, Mav is undeterred. Mr. Wyatt, his employer, offers him a full-time job, and Lisa, moved by his efforts, grows closer to him. As they anticipate the birth of their daughter, Mav and Lisa sit on the porch, contemplating her name and their future together.

Concrete Rose

Angie Thomas Books in Order (4 Book Series)

The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give, Book 1

On the Come Up

Find Your Voice

A Guided Journal for Writing Your Truth

Concrete Rose

The Hate U Give, Book 2

What To Read Next

Angie Thomas Books in Order (4 Book Series)

The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give, Book 1

On the Come Up

Find Your Voice

A Guided Journal for Writing Your Truth

Concrete Rose

The Hate U Give, Book 2

What To Read Next

Share this page