Length: 444 pages

Angie Thomas, in her book The Hate U Give (2017), illustrates the ongoing issue of police brutality in America. She does this first, with the title; second, by introducing her underlining message early on with the main character listening to “an old rap song [her] daddy has played a million times” by Tupac Shakur and explaining what Thug Life meant; and lastly, by giving a storyline that is all so unfortunately familiar. Her two-pronged message speaks to the deaf ear of the government and the outcry of blacks in America who wish to be heard and not shut out. Although written from the perspective of a sixteen-year-old girl from the hood, Thomas’ swift storytelling skills can connect with readers of any age.

*This book has been made into a movie with a release date of October 19, 2018