The novel begins with Starr Carter, a sixteen-year-old African American girl, attending a party in Garden Heights, her predominantly Black neighborhood. Starr feels torn between her two worlds – Garden Heights, where she lives with her family, and Williamson Prep, a mostly white private school she attends. At the party, Starr reconnects with her childhood friend Khalil Harris. However, a fight breaks out at the party, and Starr and Khalil leave together in Khalil’s car.

On their way home, Khalil and Starr are pulled over by a white police officer. The situation escalates quickly, and the officer shoots Khalil, killing him. Starr is traumatized by witnessing the incident and feels immense grief and anger over Khalil’s death.

Starr returns to Williamson Prep after Khalil’s death, trying to keep it a secret from her friends and classmates. She struggles with the trauma and the weight of Khalil’s death, but eventually, she confides in her friend Hailey, who responds dismissively, causing further emotional distress for Starr.

As Khalil’s story gains national attention and protests erupt in Garden Heights, Starr becomes torn between her loyalty to her community and her fear of repercussions at school. She also becomes determined to seek justice for Khalil and begins to question the systemic racism and injustice that led to his death.

Starr decides to speak up and becomes involved in the Black Lives Matter movement, attending protests and giving interviews to the media. She also finds support from her white boyfriend, Chris, who stands by her side. However, Starr faces backlash from some of her classmates, including Hailey, who makes racist comments and ends their friendship.

As Starr’s activism gains momentum, the police officer who shot Khalil is acquitted, sparking further outrage in Garden Heights. The community erupts in protests and riots, and Starr’s family takes measures to protect their home and neighborhood. Starr also receives threats and faces intimidation, but she remains resolute in her pursuit of justice.

Starr’s determination to seek justice for Khalil leads her to testify in front of a grand jury. She faces intense questioning and pressure from the defense attorney, but she ultimately speaks her truth and defends Khalil’s memory. The grand jury decides not to indict the police officer, but Starr remains hopeful that her voice has made a difference.

Starr’s father, Maverick, confronts King, a local drug dealer and the father of Starr’s half-brother, Seven, who was involved in Khalil’s death. Starr’s family comes together to support one another, and Starr finds solace in her family’s love.

The novel ends with Starr and her family attending a peaceful protest in Garden Heights, with the community coming together in solidarity. Starr reflects on her journey of self-discovery, activism, and finding her voice. She realizes that Khalil’s death has changed her, but it has also empowered her to fight against racism and injustice. The novel ends on a hopeful note, with Starr committed to continuing the fight for equality and social change.

Overall, “The Hate U Give” is a powerful and poignant novel that addresses important social issues, portrays the complexities of race and racism, and highlights the resilience and strength of the Black community. It explores themes of identity, activism, family, and community, and challenges readers to confront their own biases and prejudices while advocating for justice and equality.