The Hate U Give

Based on your book

The Hate U Give

by Angie Thomas

Starr Carter lives a life split down the middle: she navigates the wealthy, mostly white private school she attends by day and the impoverished, tight-knit neighborhood of Garden Heights where she lives by night. The fragile balance of her world shatters when she witnesses the fatal police shooting of her childhood best friend. Suddenly, Starr is the only person who can tell the truth about what happened, but doing so puts her life and her community in the crosshairs. This book moves with a relentless, gut-wrenching pace, grounded by Starr's sharp, deeply human voice. It does not shy away from the anger or the exhaustion of systemic injustice, yet it remains anchored in the fierce love Starr has for her family. Read this if you want a story that demands your full attention and leaves you forever changed.

10 Books similar to 'The Hate U Give'

If the emotional intensity and unflinching social critique of Starr’s story resonated with you, these titles are the natural next steps for your reading pile. We curated this list because each book grapples with the same friction between personal identity and the crushing weight of public perception. Whether these stories explore the aftermath of violence or the quiet, persistent struggle to define one's own voice, they all share that rare ability to humanize news headlines. You will find the same themes of community, accountability, and the difficult, necessary work of speaking truth to power.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Dear Martin
Dear Martin

by Nic Stone

Like Starr in The Hate U Give, Justyce McAllister grapples with the complexities of race and justice after a harrowing encounter with police. It shares the same urgent, contemporary voice and focuses on a young Black man navigating the divide between his elite prep school and his neighborhood.

All American Boys
All American Boys

by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely

This novel mirrors the core conflict of The Hate U Give by examining a violent police incident from the dual perspectives of the victim and a witness. It is essential reading for those who appreciate the exploration of systemic racism, accountability, and the power of speaking out.

Concrete Rose
Concrete Rose

by Angie Thomas

This prequel to The Hate U Give offers a deeper look into the world of Garden Heights through the eyes of Maverick Carter. Fans of the original will appreciate the familiar setting, the raw emotional honesty, and the character-driven narrative about choices and consequences.

On the Come Up
On the Come Up

by Angie Thomas

Also by Angie Thomas, this story captures the same vibrant, authentic voice of a teenage girl fighting to be heard in a world that tries to silence her. It shares the themes of navigating identity, family expectations, and the pressure of public perception.

Listening on Audible

Prefer to listen?

Try Audible and hear the story instead of reading it.

Try Audible

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Monday's Not Coming
Monday's Not Coming

by Tiffany D. Jackson

This gripping mystery explores the disappearance of a young girl and the systemic failure to notice or care about her absence. It shares the same sense of urgency and social critique found in The Hate U Give, highlighting the vulnerability of Black girls in society.

Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America
Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America

by Ibi Zoboi (Editor)

This anthology features diverse stories that explore the multifaceted experience of being Black in America, much like the community dynamics in The Hate U Give. It offers a broad range of voices that resonate with the same themes of identity and social navigation.

The Poet X
The Poet X

by Elizabeth Acevedo

Xiomara's journey to find her voice through slam poetry mirrors Starr's journey to find her voice through activism. Both books feature strong, complex female protagonists who are learning to stand up for themselves against societal and family pressures.

How It Went Down
How It Went Down

by Kekla Magoon

This novel dissects the aftermath of a teenage boy's shooting, showing how a community reacts and how narratives are shaped by the media. It is a perfect companion to The Hate U Give for readers interested in the ripple effects of violence and the struggle for truth.

Tyler Johnson Was Here
Tyler Johnson Was Here

by Jay Coles

After his twin brother is killed by police, Marvin Johnson is forced to confront the harsh realities of racism and police brutality. It shares the deep emotional core and the focus on the impact of loss on family and friends that defines The Hate U Give.

Piecing Me Together
Piecing Me Together

by Renée Watson

Jade is a girl from a rough neighborhood who navigates the complexities of attending a private school, much like Starr. The book beautifully explores themes of self-worth, friendship, and the frustration of being stereotyped, making it a great follow-up for fans of Angie Thomas.