Sekani, on the other hand, steals bacon off my plate, looks at my phone, and purposely steps on my foot on his way out. In The Hate U Give, author Angie Thomas manages to bring humanity -- deep, emotionally binding, full-bodied humanity -- to the victims of police brutality and the families and friends they leave behind.

As a book written for teens, The Hate U Give reminds readers of just how often racialized violence is carried out against that age group (Michael Brown was 18 when he was killed; Trayvon Martin was 17; and not-yet teen Tamir Rice was 12). She explained what made Khalil deal on drugs which is to protect his mother, and denies that he was a gang member. My phone vibrates again, probably either Chris asking for forgiveness or Kenya asking for backup against Denasia.And the thing about the stank eye is at some point you feel it on you, inviting you to kick some ass or have your ass kicked. She hides her involvement from her Williamson friends and her white boyfriend, Chris, before the truth comes bubbling up and Starr realizes which of her friends are worth keeping.

She refused to leave, talking about how it was her home and no thugs were gonna run her out, not even when somebody broke in and stole her television. She was concerned that Seven was a brother to her out of obligation, instead of out of love of her in the case of Starr. The tensions and feuds running through the novel come to a head with the grand jury decision over whether to arrest the officer who shot Khalil.Between the headache from the loud-ass music and the nausea from the weed odor, I’ll be amazed if I cross the room without spilling my drink.