Author Angie Thomas delivers a powerful book called “The Hate U Give.” The book is about a black teenage girl named Starr Carter who lives in a poor neighborhood but goes to a suburban prep school. Starr is torn between her two worlds and does not know where she belongs after seeing her childhood best friend, a black teenager named Khalil, get shot three times by a white police officer.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I am well familiar with the Black Lives Matter movement and the many opinions it brings about. When a black man or woman becomes a hashtag, the opinions formed are in two basic groups. One group believes it is racism and/or hatred toward the African-American community. Another group believes the stereotypes about black people and if they are shot, it is for a valid reason.

Thomas shows Starr’s viewpoint of things. The teenager’s neighborhood turns into a war zone involving Khalil’s death, while kids at Starr’s school believe that Khalil deserved it. Reading this book really opened my eyes on the whole Black Lives Matter situation. It has real insights on what could go through the mind of someone in Starr’s position.

This novel was written to wake up not only the younger generation, but the older ones as well. This particular book showcases the Black Lives Matter movement. However, it is not Thomas’s full point. Starr believes she would not be a good friend if she did not speak out for her friend. If she did not tell how Khalil really was, she would be letting him down.

Another one of Thomas’s points could be that it only takes one person to speak up and make a difference. Starr’s mother has taught her to respect authority and to stay out of trouble. Starr’s father taught her those things as well, but also to remember where she comes from and who she is. Starr eventually stands up for what she believes is right, not only for her friend but also for herself.

“The Hate U Give” is a phenomenal book with an even more phenomenal message. I am definitely looking forward to seeing the movie, which is scheduled for a limited release Oct. 5. The wider release will be Oct. 19.

I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars.