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Cover of THE HATE U GIVE

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THE HATE U GIVE

Angie Thomas

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for THE HATE U GIVE by Angie Thomas. This book is recommended for ages 14+; content notes include Death of a character, Strong language, Violence; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Positive messages.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to mature teens because of a witnessed shooting and death, grief, racism, police violence, gang threats, riots, trauma, and frequent strong language. Romance is present but not sexually explicit. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Strong language4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Positive messages5/5
  • Diverse representation4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Mentions of popular culture and brands, standard for realistic fiction.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

A central character's death by shooting is the primary catalyst for the entire plot.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

The aftermath of a shooting is described, but the narrative focus is on the emotional weight rather than visceral physical detail.

Strong language4/5
Why this rating?

Includes frequent use of profanity and intense language reflecting the realistic urban setting.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Secondary characters may be alluded to, but it is not a central focus of the narrative.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional references to religious practice as part of the community and family life.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Starr has a boyfriend and a sometimes-crush on Khalil; relationship tensions and supportive romance are present but secondary to the central conflict.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

The shooting, police confrontations, gang intimidation, riots, and danger to Starr’s family create sustained tension and fear.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Minor references to teen relationships and romance; no explicit sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Mentions of drug dealing as part of the neighborhood reality; some incidental social usage.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

A police officer shoots Khalil three times, gangs threaten residents, and protests become riots involving police and arson. Violence is serious and tied to social injustice.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist demonstrates significant bravery in speaking out against corruption.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages critical thinking about societal systems and one's place within them.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Authentic, multifaceted representation of Black identity and economic experiences.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

It offers substantial insight into Black Lives Matter, code-switching, racism, policing, media framing, and historical context through fiction.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Family support, friendship, community solidarity, and helping a teen leave a gang are important, despite serious conflict and betrayal.

Positive messages5/5
Why this rating?

Strong emphasis on finding one's voice, the power of testimony, and the necessity of justice.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Starr, her family, and allies model courage, advocacy, loyalty, and resistance to racism, while gang leadership and prejudice are portrayed critically.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in THE HATE U GIVE would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE HATE U GIVE, and what caused that change?
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Dark Lord of DerkholmDiana Wynne Jones · 1998Ages 14+The Secret AdversaryAgatha Christie · 1922Ages 13+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+Cart and Cwidder (The Dalemark Quartet)Diana Wynne Jones · 1975Ages 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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