Novel Summary:
Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor 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, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. 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 upend her community. It could also endanger her life."
-Balzer and Bray (Publisher of The Hate U Give)
“Real Talk: Black Lives Matter.” Epic Reads, 28 Feb. 2017, www.epicreads.com/blog/black-lives-matter/.
Notable Characters:
Starr Carter - Protagonist of the Novel who struggles to find her identity between her two worlds and her voice after witnessing the violent death of her childhood friend.
khalil harris - Starr's childhood best friend who is shot by a white police officer
Maverick “Big Mav” Carter - Starr's father; former gang member and drug dealer
Lisa Carter - Starr's mother; pushes Big Mav to move to another neighborhood
Uncle Carlos - Starr's police officer uncle; works at the department with one-fifteen
Seven Carter - Starr's older brother, whose mother is King's prostitute/girlfriend
Sekani Carter - Starr's younger brother
King - The kingpin drug dealer and gangster in Garden Heights; he rules on fear and violence and Seven's mother is his "Girlfriend"
Chris - starr's white boyfriend who attends Williamson Prep
ONe-fifteen - The white police officer who shot and killed Khalil; is protected by the police department as he is being investigated
Hailey and Mia - Starr's two best friends at Williamson Prep; Starr and Hailey's friendship deteriorates after the murder of Khalil while Mia (Asian) and Starr's relationship strengthens in some ways as they recognize their racial differences against their white classmates.
khalil harris - Starr's childhood best friend who is shot by a white police officer
Maverick “Big Mav” Carter - Starr's father; former gang member and drug dealer
Lisa Carter - Starr's mother; pushes Big Mav to move to another neighborhood
Uncle Carlos - Starr's police officer uncle; works at the department with one-fifteen
Seven Carter - Starr's older brother, whose mother is King's prostitute/girlfriend
Sekani Carter - Starr's younger brother
King - The kingpin drug dealer and gangster in Garden Heights; he rules on fear and violence and Seven's mother is his "Girlfriend"
Chris - starr's white boyfriend who attends Williamson Prep
ONe-fifteen - The white police officer who shot and killed Khalil; is protected by the police department as he is being investigated
Hailey and Mia - Starr's two best friends at Williamson Prep; Starr and Hailey's friendship deteriorates after the murder of Khalil while Mia (Asian) and Starr's relationship strengthens in some ways as they recognize their racial differences against their white classmates.
What is code-switching?
Starr learns how to code-switch in the novel, based on where she is located. For example, when she is attending school at her mostly white prep school, she speaks with proper English like the other students at the school; however, when she returns to her neighborhood, which is considered "the Hood", she reverts back to the type of language that those who live in the neighborhood use, such as less proper English in the form of slang and acronyms/shortcuts that are known by those around her.
Watch the video below for a better understanding of code-switching and when/how it can be used in different situations.
citation: “To Code Switch or Not to Code Switch? That Is the Question.” Performance by Katelyn Duggins, TEDX, YouTube, 9 Feb. 2018, www.youtube.com/watch?v=sncGGjaYJ5I.
Watch the video below for a better understanding of code-switching and when/how it can be used in different situations.
citation: “To Code Switch or Not to Code Switch? That Is the Question.” Performance by Katelyn Duggins, TEDX, YouTube, 9 Feb. 2018, www.youtube.com/watch?v=sncGGjaYJ5I.
Themes:
exploring Identity:
Throughout the novel, Starr struggles to come to terms with her identity, both internally and externally. She struggles between the two worlds that she is a part of, which is Garden Heights, her home in the hood - primarily made up of African-Americans, and Williamson Prep, which is primarily made up of privileged white students and teachers. She finds it hard to confide in her white boyfriend the feelings of anger and resentment that she has after the death of Khalil, as well as, finding it hard to decide if she should speak up against the white officer who wrongfully shot Khalil the night he was driving her home, which pulls her in two different directions and causes conflict between her and other characters in the novel.
Fighting against stereotypes:
This is highlighted by the death of Khalil in the novel and the reactions of the media and society as a whole to his presumed drug running. The rumors of his occupation, which is later found to be a way to supply income to his family, manifests in society and the media labeling him negatively as a drug dealer. This upsets Starr because she knows that even if this is something that Khalil did on the side for money, it does not mean that he was a bad person, which is what others automatically assume, leading them to believe that he deserved to be shot. Also, because he is a black young man who was killed by a white cop, it is automatically believed that he did something wrong in order to be shot, which conflicts with Starr's first-hand witness account.
Repetitive effects of racialized poverty:
The oppression and the poverty of African-Americans is a vicious cycle. Due to the racism that this particular group of people face in society, there are less opportunities for success, which leads African-Americans to continue the cycle of poverty throughout generations because of lack of resources and the need to resort to less savory forms of employment - such as participating in drug running and gang life. The resources needed for those in the black community to thrive for a better life - education, gainful employment, and the support of law enforcement - are not accessible and those in the community suffer because of it, resulting in repetitive cycles of poverty.
Throughout the novel, Starr struggles to come to terms with her identity, both internally and externally. She struggles between the two worlds that she is a part of, which is Garden Heights, her home in the hood - primarily made up of African-Americans, and Williamson Prep, which is primarily made up of privileged white students and teachers. She finds it hard to confide in her white boyfriend the feelings of anger and resentment that she has after the death of Khalil, as well as, finding it hard to decide if she should speak up against the white officer who wrongfully shot Khalil the night he was driving her home, which pulls her in two different directions and causes conflict between her and other characters in the novel.
Fighting against stereotypes:
This is highlighted by the death of Khalil in the novel and the reactions of the media and society as a whole to his presumed drug running. The rumors of his occupation, which is later found to be a way to supply income to his family, manifests in society and the media labeling him negatively as a drug dealer. This upsets Starr because she knows that even if this is something that Khalil did on the side for money, it does not mean that he was a bad person, which is what others automatically assume, leading them to believe that he deserved to be shot. Also, because he is a black young man who was killed by a white cop, it is automatically believed that he did something wrong in order to be shot, which conflicts with Starr's first-hand witness account.
Repetitive effects of racialized poverty:
The oppression and the poverty of African-Americans is a vicious cycle. Due to the racism that this particular group of people face in society, there are less opportunities for success, which leads African-Americans to continue the cycle of poverty throughout generations because of lack of resources and the need to resort to less savory forms of employment - such as participating in drug running and gang life. The resources needed for those in the black community to thrive for a better life - education, gainful employment, and the support of law enforcement - are not accessible and those in the community suffer because of it, resulting in repetitive cycles of poverty.
Historical People and events:
Below are people that are mentioned in the novel that have a significant impact on Starr's mindset regarding police brutality, historical events that impact her friendships, and others who have been credited as being motivated figures during the Civil Rights Movement and in more recent events concerning equality.
The Black Panthers:
The black panthers originated as an organization that protected against police brutality. In the novel, even though the group is only mentioned a few times and not in much detail, it can be noted how important the people in Starr's family (especially her father) feel the Black Panther mentality is, especially after the unjustified killing of Khalil by One-fifteen, the white officer who killed him.
Duncan, Garrett Albert. “Black Panther Party.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 27 Dec. 2018, www.britannica.com/topic/Black-Panther-Party.
Malcolm X:
Malcolm X was an activist for African-American rights and was known for promoting black pride. IN the novel, Big Mav - Starr's father - has a picture of Malcolm X hanging up, which he references to Starr as she struggles to find her voice after the shooting. While she struggles to decide whether to stand up and speak out against the police brutality that she witnessed or to stay quiet, she confers with her father and discusses Malcolm X and his policies.
“Malcolm X.” Malcolm X, www.u-s-history.com/pages/h3757.html.
Tupac Shakur:
Was the inspiration for Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give and the inspiration for Starr Carter and her family's, and later the community's, motivation to stand up for what is right and what is needed for equality. The meaning of THUG LIFE, Shakur's tattoo is explained in the novel. Thomas explains that Skakur's poem, "A Rose That Grew From Concrete," was inspiration for the characters in the book to rise out of the Hood and life situations that occur. Also, the roses are represented in the book through Starr's father, Big MaV, a former drug dealing gangster of the neighborhood. He quit that life and now is now a respectable member of society who lovingly tends to his garden of roses in his backyard. This is symbolic of how Big Mav and his family, starr included, are attempting to rise out of the poverty of the neighborhood and make something productive of themselves.
Eustice, Kyle. “Suge Knight Jr. Claims Tupac Shakur Is ‘Back In The Studio.’” HipHop DX, 21 Jan. 2019, hiphopdx.com/news/id.49991/title.suge-knight-jr-claims-tupac-shakur-is-back-in-the-studio.
Emmett till:
Emmett Till was a 14-year old boy from the north who was murdered in the south when he was visiting family. His disfigured face/body has become a strong image against violence against blacks. In the novel, Starr is shocked when her best friend, Hailey, makes disparaging remarks about Emmett Till and what happened to him. This occurs after Khalil has been killed, so it hits Starr hard, and her friendship with Hailey suffers and starts to deteriorate.
Blanton, Chrystal. “Emmett Till Murders.” Daughters of Eve, www.patheos.com/blogs/daughtersofeve/2013/07/my-30-day-challenge-week-four-of-a-different-kind-of-black-history/emmett-till-murders/.
"The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"
Chris and Starr have a fun relationship where they recite lines from the t.v. show, as well as, some of the raps from will Smith - the main character of the show, or "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air". There is also a parallel between Smith's character and Starr, as well due to both of these characters being taken out of their "home-base" and entering a world in which they are not used to. Smith's character transfers from the east coast in an inner-city neighborhood with gang violence to the west coast upper class, where he is the odd man out in dress, behavior, and manners. Starr, even though she still lives in Garden Heights - an inner-city neighborhood with drug dealing and gang action, she has transferred to a prestigious, nearly all white prep school. Both characters have been placed in opposite societies and situations and are struggling to find their footing.
Bush, Stephen. “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Was Radical – Because It Was so Ordinary.” The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Was Radical – Because It Was so Ordinary, www.newstatesman.com/culture/tv-radio/2017/08/fresh-prince-bel-air-was-radical-because-it-was-so-ordinary.
The black panthers originated as an organization that protected against police brutality. In the novel, even though the group is only mentioned a few times and not in much detail, it can be noted how important the people in Starr's family (especially her father) feel the Black Panther mentality is, especially after the unjustified killing of Khalil by One-fifteen, the white officer who killed him.
Duncan, Garrett Albert. “Black Panther Party.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 27 Dec. 2018, www.britannica.com/topic/Black-Panther-Party.
Malcolm X:
Malcolm X was an activist for African-American rights and was known for promoting black pride. IN the novel, Big Mav - Starr's father - has a picture of Malcolm X hanging up, which he references to Starr as she struggles to find her voice after the shooting. While she struggles to decide whether to stand up and speak out against the police brutality that she witnessed or to stay quiet, she confers with her father and discusses Malcolm X and his policies.
“Malcolm X.” Malcolm X, www.u-s-history.com/pages/h3757.html.
Tupac Shakur:
Was the inspiration for Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give and the inspiration for Starr Carter and her family's, and later the community's, motivation to stand up for what is right and what is needed for equality. The meaning of THUG LIFE, Shakur's tattoo is explained in the novel. Thomas explains that Skakur's poem, "A Rose That Grew From Concrete," was inspiration for the characters in the book to rise out of the Hood and life situations that occur. Also, the roses are represented in the book through Starr's father, Big MaV, a former drug dealing gangster of the neighborhood. He quit that life and now is now a respectable member of society who lovingly tends to his garden of roses in his backyard. This is symbolic of how Big Mav and his family, starr included, are attempting to rise out of the poverty of the neighborhood and make something productive of themselves.
Eustice, Kyle. “Suge Knight Jr. Claims Tupac Shakur Is ‘Back In The Studio.’” HipHop DX, 21 Jan. 2019, hiphopdx.com/news/id.49991/title.suge-knight-jr-claims-tupac-shakur-is-back-in-the-studio.
Emmett till:
Emmett Till was a 14-year old boy from the north who was murdered in the south when he was visiting family. His disfigured face/body has become a strong image against violence against blacks. In the novel, Starr is shocked when her best friend, Hailey, makes disparaging remarks about Emmett Till and what happened to him. This occurs after Khalil has been killed, so it hits Starr hard, and her friendship with Hailey suffers and starts to deteriorate.
Blanton, Chrystal. “Emmett Till Murders.” Daughters of Eve, www.patheos.com/blogs/daughtersofeve/2013/07/my-30-day-challenge-week-four-of-a-different-kind-of-black-history/emmett-till-murders/.
"The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"
Chris and Starr have a fun relationship where they recite lines from the t.v. show, as well as, some of the raps from will Smith - the main character of the show, or "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air". There is also a parallel between Smith's character and Starr, as well due to both of these characters being taken out of their "home-base" and entering a world in which they are not used to. Smith's character transfers from the east coast in an inner-city neighborhood with gang violence to the west coast upper class, where he is the odd man out in dress, behavior, and manners. Starr, even though she still lives in Garden Heights - an inner-city neighborhood with drug dealing and gang action, she has transferred to a prestigious, nearly all white prep school. Both characters have been placed in opposite societies and situations and are struggling to find their footing.
Bush, Stephen. “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Was Radical – Because It Was so Ordinary.” The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Was Radical – Because It Was so Ordinary, www.newstatesman.com/culture/tv-radio/2017/08/fresh-prince-bel-air-was-radical-because-it-was-so-ordinary.