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The Hate U Give American Classics Edition A Printz Honor Winner — Content Guide for Parents

By Angie ThomasHarperCollins Publishers2026-05-05ISBN 9780063481169464 pages
The Hate U Give American Classics Edition A Printz Honor Winner

Themes present

Violence
Scary content
Racial/cultural content
Profanity
Sexual identity

Not found

Religious themesClimate changeGender rolesLGBTQ+ themes

Content themes

Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.

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Religious themes

PRESENT

Contains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.

About this book

Nearly 3 Million Copies Sold · 8 starred reviews · William C. Morris Award Winner · National Book Award Longlist · Printz Honor Book · Coretta Scott King Honor Book · #1 New York Times Bestseller

"Simply beautiful to read. The Hate U Give is an outstanding debut novel and says more about the contemporary black experience in America than any book I have read for years, fiction or non-fiction." - Alex Wheatle, The Guardian

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, HarperCollins is proud to present this library of American classics drawn from our storied catalog. A phenomenal #1 bestseller that became a symbol for a searing moment in the fight for justice in America, The Hate U Give is a heartrending, boldly original, unforgettable chronicle of a vital chapter in our nation's story--and has cemented Angie Thomas's place as one of her generation's most important writers.

Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend, Khalil, at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil's name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: What really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

But what Starr does--or does not--say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is The Hate U Give American Classics Edition A Printz Honor Winner appropriate for a 7-year-old?

    The book includes several instances of violence, including the police shooting of an unarmed Black teen and mentions of riots and school fights. The narrative addresses the impact of these violent events on the community. The book contains intense themes related to violence and police brutality, which may be frightening for younger readers. It explores the emotional turmoil of a young girl witnessing a traumatic event.

  • Does The Hate U Give American Classics Edition A Printz Honor Winner have violence?

    The book includes several instances of violence, including the police shooting of an unarmed Black teen and mentions of riots and school fights. The narrative addresses the impact of these violent events on the community.

  • Does The Hate U Give American Classics Edition A Printz Honor Winner have scary content?

    The book contains intense themes related to violence and police brutality, which may be frightening for younger readers. It explores the emotional turmoil of a young girl witnessing a traumatic event.

  • Does The Hate U Give American Classics Edition A Printz Honor Winner have religious themes?

    No religious content detected in search results.

  • Does The Hate U Give American Classics Edition A Printz Honor Winner have racial/cultural content?

    The book is centered around issues of race, particularly the police shooting of an unarmed Black teen, and explores systemic racism, political activism, and the media's portrayal of African Americans. It addresses the experiences of Black individuals in a racially charged environment.

  • Does The Hate U Give American Classics Edition A Printz Honor Winner have profanity?

    The book includes strong language, with frequent use of profanity, which has led to it being challenged or banned in some schools.

  • Does The Hate U Give American Classics Edition A Printz Honor Winner have climate change?

    No climate themes detected in search results.

  • Does The Hate U Give American Classics Edition A Printz Honor Winner have sexual identity?

    The book contains references to sexual situations, including teens engaging in heavy petting and discussions about sex and condoms. These elements are presented in the context of teenage experiences.

  • Does The Hate U Give American Classics Edition A Printz Honor Winner have gender roles?

    No specific gender roles or themes related to gender expectations detected in search results.

  • Does The Hate U Give American Classics Edition A Printz Honor Winner have lgbtq+ themes?

    No LGBTQ+ themes detected in search results.