Books like The Hate U Give

Follow Jade as she navigates a mostly-white private school with scholarship in hand, and grapples with "opportunities" that feel more like burdens. When she's invited to a mentorship program for "at-risk" girls, she's sure she doesn't belong. But maybe there's something she can teach these women about the real world. Friendships, race, privilege, and identity all come to the forefront in this powerful story of a teen girl striving for success.

A gripping exploration of teenage gun violence, Long Way Down takes place in just sixty seconds as fifteen-year-old Will decides whether or not to seek revenge for his brother's murder. Told in a series of short, powerful verses, Will's journey on an elevator brings him face-to-face with those connected to his brother's death and the grim realities of street justice. Written by bestselling author Jason Reynolds, this fierce novel is a must-read for anyone looking to confront the devastating impact of gun violence on youth culture today.

Follow Marvin Johnson as he searches for answers in the aftermath of his brother's death at the hands of the police in this heart-wrenching debut novel. Tyler Johnson Was Here explores timely themes of gun control and the Black Lives Matter movement, offering a powerful portrait of youth and family. This gripping story will make you reflect on the meaning of justice and freedom, and will leave a lasting impact.

In Monster, 16-year-old Steve Harmon finds himself on trial for murder. As an amateur filmmaker, he decides to transcribe his trial into a script to cope with the horrific events. But with cynical authority figures and conniving inmates, Steve is forced to face who he really is in the face of prison, where he may spend the rest of his life. This compelling novel by Walter Dean Myers is a gripping page-turner that blurs reality and leaves readers questioning the truth.

This gripping novel delves into the complexities of a group of teens who face systemic oppression and violence in their school and community. Moss Jeffries, a thoughtful student and loyal friend, struggles with panic attacks and the loss of his father. Moss and his friends battle against a lack of funding and intimidation from school authorities. But when tragedy strikes, Moss is faced with a difficult decision: give in to fear or realize that anger can be a gift.

A coming-of-age story set in the South Bronx, this debut novel explores themes of class, race, and finding one's place in the world. After overspending on her father's credit card, Margot Sanchez is forced to work at her family's struggling grocery store to pay off her debt. As she tries to maintain her prestige prep school image, Margot resorts to lying, cheating, and stealing. But her invitation to an exclusive beach party could be the key to her escape. Will family drama and a handsome neighborhood boy stand in her way?

Step into the world of 13-year-old African-American girl Rose Lee Carter in the summer of 1955 Mississippi. Amidst the cotton fields, Rose dreams of a better life but is crushed by the brutal murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till, sparking a powerful awakening. This middle-grade debut, with echoes of The Watsons Go to Birmingham and Brown Girl Dreaming, will captivate readers.