Module 3: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Title: The Hate U Give
Bibliography:
Thomas, A. (2022). The Hate U Give. HarperCollins Publishers.
ISBN: 978-0062498540
Summary:In The Hate U Give, 16-year-old Starr Carter has witnessed a White police officer killing her good friend, Kahlil. Being the only witness, she is encouraged to give her statement to help out in the investigation but instead, everything is twisted and turned to make it seem as if it was all Kahlil’s fault. Discouraged and outraged by the decision of the police not being charged with the crime, Starr joins protests and speaks to the crowd, and she gets involved in an incident with the police where tear gas is involved. When Starr and her friends are in a store trying to get the gas off their eyes, King, who is to blame for all that has happened, and his gang, try to burn down the store. There, he is then apprehended and taken. Starr vows to keep speaking up and being an activist in search of a better future for everyone.
Critical Analysis:
Without a doubt, The Hate U Give is a book that is familiar to many. I had heard great things about this book but honestly never thought I would go through it with such interest. This novel seems so real and is executed so well that it takes the reader through an incredible experience. The characters are so authentic and the story is told in such a way you can feel the emotions. Each character holds a unique personality which makes the story flow with ease.
The author did extremely well with the settings in the story. I believe these highlight the issues presented in the story and help the reader comprehend the circumstances in the story better.
The book shares many real-life events that many readers can relate to. The story is so
powerful and real that it makes this book a must-read. The combination of many
incredibly written elements offers a one-of-a-kind experience when reading this book.
Sadly, many of the topics presented in this story are prevalent in our nation making this novel a powerful tool. Overall, this book truly takes you through so many feelings and emotions, some which can be intense. The way the story is written simply makes the reader immerse in Starr’s life. It helps us to see and feel the situations she, like many others, face and you cannot help but empathize. I can honestly say that it is one of the best young adult novels I have read.
Awards Won:
Goodreads Choice Awards Best of the Best
William C. Morris Award Winner
National Book Award Longlist
Printz Honor Book
Coretta Scott King Honor Book
#1 New York Times Bestseller!
Review Excerpts:
“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 Reviews (starred review)
“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)
Connections:
Other books by Angie Thomas:
Concrete Rose
Blackout
Find Your Voice
On The Come Up
Related books:
Dear Martin
Piecing Me Together
Anger Is a Gift
Title: Glory O'Brien's History of the Future
Bibliography: King, A. (2014). Glory O'Brien's History of the Future. Little Brown and Company. New York; Boston.
Summary:
Glory O’Brien’s History of the Future is about Glory, a girl who is about to graduate high school and has no idea what she will do next. At the age of four, her mother committed suicide and since then, she and her father have lived a quiet life. Glory is a loner, her only “true” friend is Ellie. One night, while out with Ellie, they decide to mix in “bat ashes” with their beer and things change from then on. The next day, they are able to see people’s past and future just by looking at them. Ellie’s visions are not severe; however, Glory is able to see a Civil War and many disastrous events such as an end to women’s rights and young girls disappearing daily. She begins to write down events. She also goes back to events such as the death of her mother and her father’s past, helping her understand herself, and her purpose. This also helps her heal.
Critical Analysis:
Although this book has some fantasy, such as drinking bat ashes and its effects, it is still quite believable. A teenager dealing with the suicide of her mother, feeling lonely, and not being able to connect with her father due to all that has happened, can all be relatable topics that can make the reader feel a deep connection to the story. Additionally, the topic of friendships and doubts, wondering if their friendship is a true one, is something young adult readers can associate with.
Aside from the realistic topics shared in this story, A.S. King does present a somewhat different approach. It was like reading two novels at once as the events alternate throughout the chapters. It is not a traditional novel in which the story just flows. I would say this might not be something all readers will appreciate. It just might not be for everyone. If anything, what I feel attracted me the most to this book was Glory and her story. Even though she is not the most likable character, it is easy to connect to her pain and her anger.
Overall, this novel was an interesting read. I think it is something that teens would
definitely enjoy. It is quite different but it is sure to delight the reader.
Review Excerpts:
* "This beautifully strange, entirely memorable book will stay with readers."―School Library Journal, starred review
*"Not only thoroughly original but also uniquely compelling and deeply memorable."―Horn Book, starred review
* "A novel full of provocative ideas and sharply observed thoughts about the pressures society places on teenagers, especially girls."―Publishers Weekly, starred review
* "An indictment of our times with a soupçon of magical realism.... Will inspire a new wave of activists."―Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Connections:
Other books by A.S. King:
Please Ignore Vera Dietz
Ask the Passengers
Reality Boy
Related books:
The Year We Fell From Space
Lucha of the Night Forest
Title: I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
Bibliography:
Sánchez, E. L. (2019). I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter. Random House Children's Books.
ISBN: 978-1524700515
Summary:I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter is a novel in which Julia, a 15-year-old, shares her story and her struggles after the death of her older sister, Olga. Julia is the daughter of hard-working Mexican American immigrants. Her older sister, Olga, was the “perfect” Mexican daughter, quiet and obedient. On the other hand, Julia is rebellious, and disobedient, and has no problem sharing her opinion. This causes problems with her family. Things take a turn for the worse following the tragic accident that took Olga's life. Julia is forced to cope with grief and other mental health issues. After finding some of Olga’s secret belongings, Julia reveals secrets that might not make Olga so perfect after all. As Julia goes through events, relationships, and self-hate, not only does Julia figure out who Olga was, but she also starts to discover herself.
Critical Analysis:
I had seen the book, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, on my daughter’s bookshelf but had never made the time to read it, until now. I can say that as a Mexican-American daughter myself, I found this story quite relatable and found myself quickly submerging into it. Not only does the story detail what a “perfect” Mexican daughter is expected to be like, but it shares the struggles a 15-year-old girl faces and copes with, which can make it relatable to others as well.
The author does an amazing job in this story as the main character, Julia, tries to find her own identity while trying to live up to her family’s cultural expectations. She is conflicted throughout the story as she wants to follow her dreams and aspirations but the “cultural norms” prevent her from doing so. I feel that topic doesn’t just apply to one race or ethnicity, but in fact, most of the readers can probably feel a connection to it. Additionally, other topics such as coping with grief and mental health issues, are also highlighted in this amazing novel spreading a positive message. The way the author gives a voice to Julia, as well as many other girls in similar situations, is done in such a unique and authentic way, that it just makes the story much more genuine.
Review Excerpts:
“An earnest and heartfelt tale.” —Booklist
“A timely and must-have account of survival in a culturally contested world.” —SLJ, Starred
Connections:
Other books by Erika Sanchez:
Crying in the Bathroom
Lessons on Expulsion: Poems
Related books:
For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts: A Love Letter to Women of Color
Big Chicas Don't Cry
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