We recently welcomed Riya Fernando to our Volunteer Team, and are so glad to have her on board. When she offered to create a book playlist for Banned Book Week built around THE HATE U GIVE by Angie Thomas (2017 YA Fiction Finalist), our answer was an emphatic “Absolutely!”
Make sure to celebrate this week by reading your favorite books that have been burned, blocked and banned! ~ Riya Fernando
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Here’s to the freedom to read!
The Book
Young Adult
Coming of Age Contemporary, Race, Realistic Fiction, Social Justice
THE HATE U GIVE
by Angie Thomas
Balzer + Bray
The Hate U Give is a story that feels ripped from the headlines (unarmed African-American teen shot and killed by a police officer) without ever becoming preachy or stereotypical and without resorting to demonizing any group.
It’s an incredibly tricky line to walk, but Angie Thomas makes it look easy. Starr—the only witness to the shooting—is caught in an impossible situation; her family may be in danger whatever she does or says. The story is necessary, especially for our current political climate, but it also transcends time and politics. A must-read.
Also by Angie Thomas
Although we could not find any book bans for CONCRETE ROSE, Angie Thomas expected it to be banned and addressed the possibility during interviews promoting the book such as the one here and here.
2021 YA Fiction Finalist
When seventeen-year-old Maverick “Mav” Carter discovers he is a father, he sees the life he has built for himself crumble before his eyes. Unprepared for life beyond high school, much less fatherhood, Maverick attempts to forge his own path forward regardless. Although hindered by relationship troubles, gang violence, and new responsibilities, he manages to discover meaning in even the bleakest of situations.
In this prequel to The Hate U Give, author Angie Thomas revisits Garden Heights from the perspective of a ’90s teenager, painting a raw, vibrant, and heartfelt portrait of the lives of inner-city children.
Blurb by Vidya Tiru, Lady in Read Writes
The Music
The Hate U Give and Concrete Rose, two powerful coming-of-age novels, discuss themes of police brutality and gang violence through the stories of main characters Starr and Mav as they navigate the harsh reality of being people of color in America. The playlist reflects obstacles they encounter in their lives, with an emphasis on police brutality and shootings.
Riya Fernando
Riya is an avid reader who can often be found with her nose in a murder mystery while listening to contemporary piano music. She was introduced to CYBILS Awards through her mom, Reshama Deshmukh, a Category Chair and CYBILS Awards Board Member. Riya credits her mom for cultivating her love for books. She is thrilled at the opportunity to combine two of her passions: books and music.