The Hate U Give

11 of 11
The Hate U Give
464 pages; Balzer + Bray
 "What society gives us as youth, it bites them in the ass when we wild out," says Khalil to his friend Starr, the protagonist, just before the cops pull them over and Khalil is shot dead. This is among the indelible scenes in Thomas's National Book Award–nominated, rap-infused anthem, a wholly original novel that channels the outrage of all who experience racial injustice and police brutality, and that will stand as a modern young adult classic.