The Hate U Give Spark Notes

The Journey To Become A Starr

Grief by definition is how people respond to the loss of a person who has died. On average it takes a person one to two years to grieve the loss of someone, But does that person really heal or does that person just forget. In Angie Thomas’s book The Hate U Give, 16 year old Starr finds strength within herself through grief and experiences growth with the help of the community around her, allowing her to find her voice and confidence within, which gives her the courage to fight for justice. Although Starr struggles immensely through her healing journey, she is strong enough to not let the darkness consume her. Her family gave her light in this time of darkness allowing her to grow and gain strength within herself.

The events of Khalil's murder lead to Starr having vivid dreams of Khalil and also of Natasha, her childhood best friend that was also murdered right in front of her at the age of 10. Starr is not a stranger to the feeling of grief but this time it feels more intense than ever as she feels somewhat at fault for Khalil’s murder, maybe if she said something, maybe if she got out the car to hold his wounds to stop the blood. This all connects back to Natasha, when she was shot Starr froze and did nothing to help her as well, but there's only so much you can do when you’re in shock. Furthermore, Starr has a great support system behind her that is not allowing her to weigh the death of Khalil. Starr’s mother, in particular, encourages Starr to get back into routine and never judges Starr when she needs to cry; “ I’m crying out of nowhere, hunched over my bed as the iron in my hand spits out steam. Momma takes it before I burn the Williamson crest on my polo”(Thomas 67). As Starr grieves, her mother is non judgemental and understanding of Starr, she allows Starr to express her emotions. Events like Khalil’s death stick with people forever and Khalil’s murder will never erase from Starr’s mind. Additionally with the support and love of her family Starr begins to gain some confidence to speak about the tragic night. Her mother and uncle Carlos provide her comfort; her mother being by her side and Carlos outside the door;‘“All right then.’... ‘Don’t be nervous, Starr.

Garden Heights has supported Khalil from the first moment it was revealed he was murdered at the hands of a white police officer, protests and riots consume the Garden as the police try to justify the murder of Khalil and deem it as an accident; “ There are more people out here than in the church, holding posters with Khalil’s face on them and signs saying ‘Am I Next?’ and ‘Enough is Enough!’”(Thomas 133). Anyone who knew Khalil and knew his character was out on that street protesting, Starr is not alone in this fight for justice. All of Garden Heights wants justice just as bad and will fight. Khalil’s death in a way brought Starr back to reality. Therefore Starr’s eyes are finally opening up to what is being said around her, at her predominately white school by Hailey. Starr re-enters school, her mind comepeltely shifted causing her to be more aware of what is being said. “‘Dammit, Starr!’ Hailey yells, recovering the ball. She passes it to me. ‘Hustle! Pretend the ball is some fried chicken. Bet you’ll stay on it then’ … I can’t believe she said … she shouldn’t have. No way. The ball falls out my hands. I walk off the court. I’m breathing hard, and my eyes burn'' (Thomas 112). As Hailey says this microaggression, Starr stops in time full of