You are viewing your 1 free article this month. Login to read more articles.
Angela Thomas’ The Hate U Give, a YA novel inspired by the ‘black lives matter’ movement in the US, will be published in the UK by Walker Books.
Commissioning editor Annalie Grainger and editorial director Gill Evans acquired the UK and commonwealth rights to the novel in a two-book deal, beating three other publishers in an auction, from Molly Ker Hawn at The Bent Agency.
The Hate U Give is about a 16-year-old called Starr who lives in two worlds; the poor black neighbourhood where she was born and raised and her high school in the suburbs. Her world is shaken when her unarmed best friend, Khalil, is shot by a police officer, and she is the only witness.
“By turns heart-breaking, challenging, and ultimately hopeful, The Hate U Give is an astounding debut, one that takes a stand against prejudice and stereotypes, and generously welcomes each of us to look at who we are and what we believe in,” said Grainger. “The book handles a sensitive and politically charged issue with humanity, subtlety and honesty. It is also a gripping and brilliant page-turner with a smart and engaging female lead.”
Thomas, a former teen rapper, lives in Mississippi. The Hate U Give will be published by Balzer + Bray in the US, who acquired the book in a bidding war between 13 publishing houses.
Walker Books will publish the book in spring 2017 and an untitled standalone second novel in 2018.