By Ghadeer Ghloum

In Angie Thomas’ novel “The Hate U Give”, a multitude of issues are addressed, including resistance against oppression, humanizing marginalized communities and the wide-reaching impact of social injustice on young individuals. While the novel primarily centers on the African American community, its universal themes make it relevant to marginalized groups worldwide, thereby amplifying its impact and rendering it an essential read for those who call for justice.

Especially when it comes to the hatred that society spreads among people based on their racial biases and personal preferences, which have no basis or logic, yet which unfortunately spreads widely, reaching innocent children’s minds as well. Thomas portrays the significance of resistance through Starr, the protagonist, who takes the reader on a journey to explore societal injustice and her responsibility to find her identity and speak up for what she stands for and against, highlighting the importance of fighting against injustice.

Another significant issue tackled in the novel is humanizing marginalized communities by meticulously using relatable language that resonates with the community, allowing readers to connect with the characters, accept their differences, understand their experiences and validate their emotions. The novel also illuminates the plight of children within society, which is one of its most important features.

Through characters of tender age, Thomas draws attention to the rooted injustices that ruin societies. By doing so, she underscores how these young individuals are subjected to harsh realities and sheds light on the profound oppression they face. Thus, the novel explores how the environment children grow up in fundamentally shapes their minds, emphasizing the impact of hate on all members of society, regardless of their age.

Who is Angie Thomas?

Angie Thomas is an American young adult author, born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. She is best known for her debut novel, “The Hate U Give”, which was first published in England in 2017. The book became a New York Times bestseller. She has a BFA in creative writing and is a winner of the inaugural Walter Dean Myers Grant 2015, awarded by We Need More Diverse Books.