Characters
Who is Starr's childhood best friend who is killed in front of her?
Khalil
What event triggers the central conflict of the book?
Khalil's death
Who does the saying T.H.U.G. L.I.F.E come from
Tupac
What neighborhood does Starr live in?
Garden Heights
What does THUG LIFE stand for according to Tupac?
"The Hate U Give Little Infants F*s Everybody"
Who was Starr's boyfriend that her dad did not approve of?
Chris
What secret does Starr initially keep from her school friends?
She was a witness to Khalil's shooting
What does Starr's father believe the Black Panther Party represents?
A group that empowered the black community to promote self-defense, not just violence.
Where does Starr attend school?
Williamson High School
The significance of Tupac’s phrase to Khalil and Starr.
It shows how racism affects kids.
Who is Starr's uncle, who works as a police officer?
Uncle Carlos
What happens during the TV interview Starr participates in?
She feels uncomfortable but eventually speaks out
What symbol represents Starr finding her voice?
Her speaking out on national TV and later at the protest
What local business is firebombed?
Mavericks grocery store
How Maverick explains THUG LIFE to Starr.
He says it's not just a phrase—it’s real.
Who is Kenya?
Starr's friend and Khalil's half sister
Why does Starr choose to testify before the grand jury?
Because she realizes silence equals complicity and she wants justice for Khalil
What does Khalil's hairbrush symbolize?
What is the significance of Williamson Prep?
How Starr struggles to balance her two worlds—home and school.
How the phrase represents the cycle of poverty and violence?
It shows how unfair treatment and lack of chances can lead to anger and violence that hurts everyone.
Who is Hailey?
A former close friend of Starr
What do Starr and her father argue about regarding activism?
Whether violence or peaceful protest is more effective for change
How does Mavericks store function symbolically in the community?
It represents stability, empowerment, and Mavericks' commitment to rebuilding his community.
How does the neighborhood react to the grand jury decision?
With protests, unrest, and eventually a riot, both grief and resistance.
How does Starr begin to understand what THUG LIFE means and how it connects to Khalil’s death?
She sees that Khalil’s death is an example of what THUG LIFE means—how the hate society gives to Black kids can hurt them and everyone else.