The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
I’ve never met a person who read The Hate U Give and didn’t count it as one of their favorite books ever. This is a Young Adult book that they’ve recently started teaching in schools, if that gives you any idea as to how important it is. When 16-year-old Starr Carter witnesses one of her childhood friends be killed by police officers, her entire world is rocked. She had been living what she described as a “double life,” attending a prestigious private school while living in a poor neighborhood. But after the incident with the police, she is no longer able to return to that life. This story really showcases the impact that police brutality has on poor communities. It’s also written for children so it’s REALLY easy to read. Once you’re finished, treat yourself to the movie starring Amandla Stenberg.