If there’s one 2017 release you pick up this year, make it Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give. Thomas’s debut novel inspired by the #BlackLivesMovement has been on the New York Times Best Sellers List for the past 2 months. The book follows sixteen-year old Starr Carter, who splits her time between her poor, black neighborhood and her upper class, white prep school. Starr does her best to balance both worlds, until the death of her childhood best friend, Khalil, shatters her efforts. She watches an unarmed Khalil die at the hands of a police officer. As Khalil’s death becomes a national headline and her community becomes a riot zone, Starr must figure out how to prove that Khalil wasn’t the thug the media makes him out to be without endangering her own life.

The Hate U Give feels like a true story because of its contemporary relevance. Between the investigation of Khalil’s death, the news coverage, and the riots in Starr’s community, the #BlackLivesMatter comes to life in the pages. The plight continues on social media, as Starr’s Tumblr is focused on oppressed minority youth, like Emmet Till. Starr is dedicated to proving that Khalil wasn’t a gang member or drug dealer. He was her Harry-Potter loving best friend. It’s an emotionally tolling process for Starr, and I commend Angie Thomas for not ignoring Starr’s emotions and not magically turning her into a martyr. It’s the support that Starr receives from her family and friends that helps her find her voice amongst tragedy.

I loved Starr because she could have been the girl next to me in class or my own friend. She felt so real, having a strong and caring family dynamic that isn’t often found in the YA world. She loves Tumblr and has a passion for High School Musical and the Jonas Brothers that would rival your own. Above all, my favorite part about Starr was that her story and her life taught me something. The Hate U Give teaches you about Tupac and Thug Life.

Angie Thomas cleverly titles the book The Hate U Give or THUG, suggests that as a society, we need to reevaluate how we treat and depict individuals because of the color of their skin. You learn about what it’s like to have to keep up two identities, what it’s like to be judged because of your race and class background. You learn about what its like to not have your perspective or opinion matter. You learn that it is important to stand up what you believe. You learn to stand up for the truth and the ones that you love.