The Hate U Give Discussion Questions and review written by the Ent and the Elf.
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The Hate U Give Book
Know Before You Read The Hate U Give:
Book: The Hate U Give (Find our review of the prequel Concrete Rose HERE)
Author: Angie Thomas
Pages: 532
Published: July 2017
Age Suggestion: 13 and up
Themes: Racial injustice, Police brutality, Navigating racial tension, High school relationships
Warnings: There are lots of discussion of violence, police brutality, sexual actions, drugs, and alcohol. Also, there is a lot of cussing. Altogether, this is present to dive into the real world in which Angie Thomas is painting. I do encourage everyone to read or watch this with their kids to help them process and discuss it.
Continue reading for our The Hate U Give Discussion Questions
Quick The Hate U Give Summary:
Starr Carter is a high schooler who has had to go through what no one should have to. By the age of 16, she has seen two of her friends murdered in front of her eyes. The second one thrusts her into an emotional world of grief, injustice, brutality, and racism. The Hate U Give navigates through the complexities of so many social issues, but leaves the reader with the knowledge that it is much more than that. These are real people with emotions, lives, and potential.
Why Read The Hate U Give:
Although the subject matter can be very difficult to read and discuss, it is immensely important to have these conversations. Starr is a representative of so many families that have been victims or friends of victims of police brutality and gang violence. How can we come together to change this systematic oppression?
The Hate U Give presents a very realistic and balanced view of the issues. There are multiple perspectives (although some of them are presented as clearly being the wrong ones) that help you relate to and understand the seriousness and severity of the tragedies portrayed. Despite this heavy task, there is also a fair amount of levity throughout the book, as there would be in real life. Overall, this book is very important for the current generation to read to help them process our current racial tension with empathy.
Continue reading for our The Hate U Give Discussion Questions.
The Hate U Give Discussion Questions:
*Please make sure to consider the background and triggers of the group you are discussing this movie or book with. Be considerate of others’ lived experiences and concerns.*
- How are we seeing THUG LIFE played out in today’s society?
- Starr begins to honor Khalil with a new blog “The Khalil I knew.” This is a great example of the power of social media. What are ways to use social media for positivity or important topics?
- Starr decides that she can no longer be friends with Hailey due to Hailey’s attitude and racism. What were the pros and cons of ending that relationship? Do you think Starr made the right decision?
- Using your voice for a force for change is discussed a lot, especially in regards to standing up for Khalil. Discuss a time when you were able to use your voice for good. What passions do you have that you often speak out against or for?
Don’t miss our The Hate U Give Curriculum!
The curriculum comes with a multiple choice quiz, a short answer worksheet, a movie note taking sheet, and essay prompts for only $2.99. Find it on our Teachers Pay Teachers store now!
*We have also create an Angie Thomas Bundle that you can find at Teachers Pay Teachers
The Hate U Give Movie
Know Before You Watch The Hate U Give Movie:
Movie: The Hate U Give
Rating: PG-13
Age Suggestion: 13+
Running Time: 2 Hrs. 15 Min.
Release Date: October 2018
Themes and Warning: The same themes and warnings from the book apply to the movie.
5 Differences From The Hate U Give Book to the Movie:
*Spoilers Beyond This Point*
The Hate U Give was translated, in our opinion, pretty well to the screen! Amandla Stenberg was amazing as Starr (she was little Rue from the Hunger Games you guys!!) But how is the Hate U Give book different from the movie?
1) Her Support System Was Stronger
-Starr had more support in the book than in the movie, or at least there was a greater emphasis on community in general. Maya became her best friend- in the book she’s more than just a third wheel and really helps Starr stand up to Hailey. Chris stays at the protests with Starr and is more present throughout the whole process than he was in the movie. Starr’s lawyer doesn’t push her into protesting, but does encourage her when she decides to stay.
2) How Starr Speaks Out
-One of the main things that sticks out is HOW she decides to use her voice to support her friend. In the book she comes up with and writes a blog. It really speaks to how social media plays such an important role in our lives today. Not only that, but HOW it can be a positive tool for understanding and growth.
3) The Characters We Missed
-The story is shorter on film, and so some big characters from the book get left out or really diminished. We specifically missed Lewis and Khalil’s grandmother. They had some really impactful moments in the book, especially relating to us getting to know more about Khalil.
4) The Inner Turmoil
-In the movie you see how conflicted Starr is, the tension her family is experiencing. But the book really walks you through the grief, anger and confusion she is feeling. You empathize more completely with the family when you read through her thoughts.
5) The Ending
-Despite the effectiveness of Sekani’s role in the ending of the movie, it actually didn’t happen in the book. The main focus near the end of the book was Starr throwing the tear gas back at the police (you might have missed that in the movie) and the neighborhood rallying together to bring down King. One of the last things that is talked about in the book is a newspaper heading that reads “The Witness Fights Back” with a picture of her throwing the tear gas.
Don’t miss our The Hate U Give Curriculum!
The curriculum comes with a multiple choice quiz, a short answer worksheet, a movie note taking sheet, and essay prompts for only $2.99. Find it on our Teachers Pay Teachers store now!
*We have also create an Angie Thomas Bundle that you can find at Teachers Pay Teachers
If you enjoyed our The Hate U Give Discussion Questions and review, also check out:
-The Prequel to The Hate U Give, Concrete Rose Discussion Guide and Curriculum
–On the Come Up Discussion Guide
–New Kid Book Review
–Talking your Teens through Just Mercy
–Inquisitor’s Tale Book Review
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Sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for the recommendation, this goes on my TBR. I am wondering if its a good idea to watch the movie first.
I watched the movie first because I wasn’t sure if I would be interested in the book. My husband read the book first- he likes the book more than the movie. But we both enjoyed the movie! I think either way, you’re set! But it’s definitely a good one to read and watch!! Thanks for commenting 🙂