Reviews
'Angie Thomas has written a stunning, brilliant, gut-wrenching novel that will be remembered as a classic of our time.' John Green
'It's hard to see how this won't be the young adult novel of the year, if not the decade. Angie Thomas, a former rapper and a debut novelist from Jackson, Mississippi, has written a startling, important book about what it is to be black in America that manages to speak to everyone. It is also a rollicking thriller and a deeply enjoyable read. No wonder it has been at the top of the New York Times's young adult bestseller list for weeks. [...] It's suitable for mature 14-year-olds and should fly on to curriculums everywhere, for Thomas has written a classic in the making that demands to be discussed.' The Times
'“[…] a powerful look at racism in 21st-century America.”' The Observer
'Completely gripping, hugely affecting and beautifully written, THUG encompasses race, violence, family and growing up and will surely be remembered as a defining YA book of our time. A must-read. - Anna Pool' The Pool
'The Hate U Give is going to be one of the most important books of 2017, no hyperbole, just facts. - Nikesh Shukla, writer and editor of The Good Immigrant'
'Despite the darkness of its subject, this convincing, compelling and empathetic book is sometimes funny, too. Enlightening about the Black Lives Matter movement, and the need to speak out, it is also important. - Children's Book of the Week' The Sunday Times
'Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this is a powerful, affecting book by a brilliant new voice in YA fiction' The Metro
'“Her voice is witty, generous and real.”' Entertainment Weekly
'“Publishing folks are calling “The Hate U Give” the Black Lives Matter novel. It’s certainly a clear explanation of the movement — here called “Just Us for Justice” — but it’s also a page turner brimming with pop culture references and humor […] I marveled at the balancing act between dead-serious politics and concerns familiar to kids and former kids of all backgrounds.”' New York Times
'Though Thomas’s story is heartbreakingly topical, its greatest strength is in its authentic depiction of a teenage girl, her loving family, and her attempts to reconcile what she knows to be true about their lives with the way those lives are depicted—and completely undervalued—by society at large.' Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
'Beautifully written in Starr’s authentic first-person voice, this is a marvel of verisimilitude as it insightfully examines two worlds in collision. An inarguably important book that demands the widest possible readership.' Booklist (Starred Review)
'Already one of the most talked-about YA titles of the year on both sides of the Atlantic, this blistering debut is unmissable. [...]Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, it's an incredibly powerful and important exploration on how prejudice and racism look today, not only in the media and authorities but in families and friendships too. The storytelling is completely absorbing, packed with drama and heartbreak but funny and full of heart, with a vulnerable, inspirational and very real heroine in Starr. Big things are ahead: movie rights have already gone to Fox 2000, with Amanda Stenberg (Rue from "The Hunger Games") set to star, and numerous international book deals have also been confirmed.' The Bookseller
'Thomas cuts to the heart of the matter for Starr and for so many like her, laying bare the systemic racism that undergirds her world, and she does so honestly and inescapably, balancing heartbreak and humor. With smooth but powerful prose delivered in Starr's natural, emphatic voice, finely nuanced characters, and intricate and realistic relationship dynamics, this novel will have readers rooting for Starr and opening their hearts to her friends and family. This story is necessary. This story is important.' Kirkus (Starred Review)
'The Hate U Give is tragically timely, hard-hitting, and an ultimate prayer for change. Don't look away from this searing battle for justice. Rally with Starr.' New York Times
'As we continue to fight the battle against police brutality and systemic racism in America, The Hate You Give serves as a much needed literary ramrod. Absolutely riveting! - Jason Reynolds, National Book Award long-listed author of Ghost'
'Fearlessly honest and heartbreakingly human. Everyone should read this book. - Becky Albertalli, author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda'
'Loved it so much. A fantastic read. Everyone, young, old must read this world-changing YA.'
'Teenagers need to read this. - Louise O'Neill, author of Only Ever Yours'
'The Hate U Give is astoundingly good. It’s heartbreaking, enraging, surprisingly tender, and unexpectedly hilarious. Starr is one of the best main characters I’ve ever read. She’s funny, smart, loyal, flawed, and brave. THUG is an honest, authentic, searing depiction of what life can be like for black teens in America. This book is incredibly important and timely – but that isn’t what makes it so special. It’s Starr’s voice, the wonderful cast of characters, and Angie’s brilliant writing. A phenomenal debut that everyone should read. - Katherine Webber, author of Wing Jones'
'Pair this powerful debut with Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely’s All American Boys to start a conversation on racism, police brutality, and the Black Lives Matter movement.' School Library Journal (Starred Review)
'This book. What a stunner. Put it straight on your 2017 reading list. - Katherine Woodfine, author of The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow'
'“Stunning, vital wake-up call of a novel about racism, social inequality and not giving up told through the eyes of an incredible, unforgettable sixteen-year-old. […]Alongside the intense struggles and conflicts faced by Starr’s family and community, there are some truly heart-melting moments between Starr and her white boyfriend Chris (their shared love of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air is super cute), and also between Starr and her parents. Complex, gripping, stirring and so, so important – I can’t recommend this remarkable debut enough.”' LoveReading
'“Every so often the right book comes along at the right time and quite deservedly catches fire. Angie Thomas’ debut young adult novel THE HATE YOU GIVE is that book.”' Salon
'“Thomas’ greatly anticipated debut addresses the stark realities of race and police brutality through a teenager’s eyes. But it’s no grim soapbox: her Voice is witty, generous, and real.”' Entertainment Weekly Must Have's
'“The first-person, present-tense narrative is immediate and intense, and the pacing is strong, with Thomas balancing dramatic scenes of violence and protest with moments of reflection . . . Starr, her family, and the individuals in their neighborhood are achingly real and lovingly crafted.”' School Library Journal (Starred Review)
'“This topical, necessary story is highly recommended for all libraries.”' VOYA (Starred Review)
'“Thomas gives Starr a perceptive voice that speaks important truths, while its direct accessibility keeps her compellingly readable . . . In this book inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, Thomas effectively marries the legitimate rage at injustice with real-world complexity.”' The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (Starred Review)
'“Thomas has penned a powerful, in-your-face novel that will similarly galvanize fans of Kekla Magoon’s How It Went Down and Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely’s All American Boys.” ' The Horn Book (Starred Review)
'“In her debut novel, Angie Thomas creates what might be one of the decade's most vivid voices in YA fiction.” ' Shelf Awareness (Starred Review)
'“Believe the hype: The Hate U Give, Angie Thomas’s extraordinary and fearless debut, really is that good […] Her dialogue is like emotional sandpaper: It hurts and rubs you raw, but it refines. If The Hate U Give makes you uncomfortable, that’s because it should.”' Christian Science Monitor
'Thomas’s debut The Hate U Give is currently number one on The New York Times’ Young Adult Best Seller list. Inspired by the “anger frustrations and hurt” she felt after the killing of Oscar Grant in 2011, it’s a story that places a spotlight on #BlackLivesMatter at this crucial point in history.' Stylist
'“Stunning, vital wake-up call of a novel about racism, social inequality and not giving up told through the eyes of an incredible, unforgettable sixteen-year-old. […] Complex, gripping, stirring and so, so important – I can’t recommend this remarkable debut enough.”' LoveReading
'“[…] passionate and uncompromising […] Starr and her many readers will keep asking the big questions.”' Observer
'“This is a powerful book.”' Irish Times Weekend
'[…] a teenage tale that tells a story relevant to all generations, particularly in the US, and seems destined to become a Black Lives Matter classic.' The Herald
'Angie Thomas pitches you headfirst into Starr's world as she witnesses the murder of her friend at the hands of the police: I was gripped, moved and appalled from the first chapter to the last. If you read one debut novel this year, make it this one. - Heather from Foyles Buying team' Foyles Newsletter
'“The Hate U Give is exceptional. […] The definition of ‘unputdownable’ (I read it in one sitting), Angie Thomas hones in on stereotypes, calls out white privilege and ignorance and throughout forges a dysfunctional, sprawling family that will steal your heart […] Buy it for every human you know, read it, share it, remember it, stand up and demand more stories like Starr’s are published.”' Belfast Telegraph
'“This book is exceptional. […] The Hate U Give is not just timely, it’s beautifully written, painfully honest, sweet, silly and thoughtful, sweary and gut-wrenching and astutely observed. […] A blistering debut that deserves to find its way onto English literature syllabuses soon.” -' Birmingham Mail, Western Daily Press, Coventry Telegraph, Daily Post, Evening Chronicle, Nottingham Post, and Liverpool Ech
'“The Hate U Give is point-blank exceptional. […] Put it on English Lit syllabuses, make it into a film, by it for every human you know, read it, share it, remember it, bear witness, stand up and demand that more stories like Starr’s are published.”' Western Mail, Derby Telegraph, Northern Echo
'“[…] stunning debut […] It’s unusual (and exciting) for a book by a new author to create such a buzz, but with a fast-paced plot, likeable and relatable protagonist, and such a timely narrative, they hype is definitely warranted on this occasion.”' Black Hair
'“The Hate U Give is rightly named by many critics as one of the most important books of 2017. It's a profound, deeply compelling modern-day classic that won't be forgotten.”' BookTrust
'“My YA book for the season has to be The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. […] A powerful and moving novel written with urgency and passion, with some of the most vividly real characters in any YA book I’ve read, it’s a must-read this summer.”' Irish Independent
'“My YA book for the season has to be The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. […] A powerful and moving novel written with urgency and passion, with some of the most vividly real characters in any YA book I’ve read, it’s a must-read this summer.”' Women's Way
'“Traversing the greased balance beam of young black womanhood with frank wit and heard-earned wisdom, first time novelist Thomas delivers a more-than-YA winner.”' Entertainment Weekly
'“In her enormously powerful debut novel, Thomas tackles racial injustice in America with grace, empathy and great skill, never allowing the humanity and humour of the characters to be overshadowed by the serious issues she addresses.”' Irish Times Weekend
'Starr is a witty and perceptive narrator, and as she grapples with the injustice of the adult world, she learns important lessons about herself and her family.' Amnesty.org.uk
'“[…] painful and entirely credible. Thomas’s novel rests on complex characterization and difficult decisions handled with aplomb; a crucible stoked by valuable anger, it conveys the chafing necessity of performing “acceptable” blackness, and the rage generated when the continual sacrifice of a community’s dignity and respect is not enough to preserve the lives of its children.”' The Times Literary Supplement
'“Read it. It will change your life. It changed mine profoundly.”' w24.com
'Angie Thomas’ debut novel is based on the Black Lives Matter movement and teaches without preaching. It tells a story that never sacrifices nuanced discourse for broad generalisations.' GQ
'Angie Thomas’ debut novel is based on the Black Lives Matter movement and teaches without preaching. It tells a story that never sacrifices nuanced discourse for broad generalisations.'
'“I also adored The Hate U Give, a book full of life and laughter, told through the eyes of a young black girl in inner-city America who testifies against the police after a tragic shooting.”' The Observer
'“[…] a rollicking thriller. […] This book should be flying into curriculums everywhere.” - Best children’s books of 2017' The Times
'“Full of evocative detail and wry humour, with a charismatic narrator, it reads like a canonical text.”' The Guardian
'“An unflinching look at prejudice in modern America […] powerful debut […]”' INews.co.uk
'“To Kill a Mockingbird for the 21st Century, a must read.”' Mainstreet Books of the Year 2017
'“[…] a teenage tale that should be required reading for those wishing to understand racial tensions in the US.”' Sunday Herald
'A truly atmospheric read that deals with the choices society forces on some and the consequences on those actions.' Children's Books Ireland
'“[…] both instantly gripping and entirely original.”' The Guardian
'“It's a lesson about injustice everywhere, and a reminder that your voice does matter.”' Elle
'“This book is indescribably important and beautiful. Given the current state of the world, the haunting truth oozing from Angie Thomas’s every word is exactly what we need. If you do nothing else, pick up a copy of the book, and go see the upcoming movie."' Gemma McLaughlin, The Glasgow Herald
'“To give someone The Hate U Give is to give a lot of love.”' The Times (Saturday Review)
'“Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give, awarded the Amnesty CILIP Honour, is a political call to arms rallying against racism and prejudice, and its success is helping to fuel long-overdue investment in writers from more diverse backgrounds.”' The Guardian Online
'“I think Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give is one of the best books of the last ten years full stop, but I think there should also be room for carefree books, and books that show black girls, and mixed-race girls living their best life, and getting up to no good, and just having fun!”' Alexandra Sheppard, Pride Magazine
'“Too many young black men and women are murdered in America by trigger happy cops. If we want anything to change, the public has to care enough to demand it. And for that reason, I’m glad The Hate U Give exists.”' Vice Magazine
'“This soulful coming-of-age is aimed at all adults – young and old. It’s the closest thing we have to a 21st-century To Kill a Mockingbird, complete with a modern-day Scout and Atticus Finch in the form of Starr and Maverick Carter, beatifically played by Amandla Stenberg and Russell Hornsby.”' Yahoo News
'The Hate U Give is technically a YA novel, but I firmly believe there is no one who wouldn’t benefit from reading it – the world needs more books like this.' Stylist