The Hate U Give
In a different take on a book report, I would like to update you on the YA novel my PLC group and I are reading by comparing the characters to astrology signs! Each character in this novel has a distinct personality, which will make this more fun! Hope you enjoy!
Starr Carter, a 16 year old, lives in a poor neighborhood, but attends a fancy suburban prep school. As if this complete culture crash was not enough for an adolescent brain, these worlds are shattered when she witnesses the fatal shooting of Khalil, her (unarmed) best friend, at the hands of a police officer. His story becomes a national headline, and many are calling Khalil a "thug" or "drug dealer", when in reality these could not be further from accurate. Rallies begin and protesters start protesting in Khalils name. Some of those in power attempt to intimidate Starr and her family, in attempt to learn what really happened that night. Only Starr truly knows, and this novel follows her experience of finding her voice even when it could disrupt her community.
Strengths- Reliable, patient, practical, devoted, responsible, stable
Weaknesses- Stubborn, possessive, uncompromising
While I am not trying to make the argument that Starr's parents are perfect, they are reliable, devoted, and patient with Starr and her siblings consistently. Despite the difficult challenges Starr, Seven, and Sekani must face, they do their best to support a loving and safe environment for their children. Although yes, Starr's parents do bicker, that is not meant to detract from the loving and devoting nature they have created for their family, just like a Taurus!
Strengths- Gentle, affectionate, curious, adaptable, ability to learn quickly and exchange ideas
Weakness- Nervous, inconsistent, indecisive
Chris, as the tentative love interest of Starr, it is quite sweet how he begins to care for Starr. It is clear that he appreciates her as an individual, and likes her individuality. An important aspect of the book to note is how Chris is used to investigate the white experience. Sometimes this is obvious, like when Starr, Seven, and her Black friends ask Chris specific questions about his whiteness. Although he is not perfectly aware of all racial issues, he is willing to step back, listen, be self aware of his ignorance and privilege, and learn. These experiences seem to align with the strengths of the Gemini!!
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Starr Carter, a 16 year old, lives in a poor neighborhood, but attends a fancy suburban prep school. As if this complete culture crash was not enough for an adolescent brain, these worlds are shattered when she witnesses the fatal shooting of Khalil, her (unarmed) best friend, at the hands of a police officer. His story becomes a national headline, and many are calling Khalil a "thug" or "drug dealer", when in reality these could not be further from accurate. Rallies begin and protesters start protesting in Khalils name. Some of those in power attempt to intimidate Starr and her family, in attempt to learn what really happened that night. Only Starr truly knows, and this novel follows her experience of finding her voice even when it could disrupt her community.
Starr's Parents - Taurus
Weaknesses- Stubborn, possessive, uncompromising
While I am not trying to make the argument that Starr's parents are perfect, they are reliable, devoted, and patient with Starr and her siblings consistently. Despite the difficult challenges Starr, Seven, and Sekani must face, they do their best to support a loving and safe environment for their children. Although yes, Starr's parents do bicker, that is not meant to detract from the loving and devoting nature they have created for their family, just like a Taurus!
Chris- Gemini
Weakness- Nervous, inconsistent, indecisive
Chris, as the tentative love interest of Starr, it is quite sweet how he begins to care for Starr. It is clear that he appreciates her as an individual, and likes her individuality. An important aspect of the book to note is how Chris is used to investigate the white experience. Sometimes this is obvious, like when Starr, Seven, and her Black friends ask Chris specific questions about his whiteness. Although he is not perfectly aware of all racial issues, he is willing to step back, listen, be self aware of his ignorance and privilege, and learn. These experiences seem to align with the strengths of the Gemini!!
Starr- Scorpio
Strengths- Resourceful, brave, passionate, stubborn, a true friend
Weaknesses- Distrusting, jealous, secretive, violent
Weaknesses- Distrusting, jealous, secretive, violent
The main trait that I would associate with Starr is brave. She has witnessed and experienced great loss and trauma, yet through her journey learns to overcome her fears and do what is right rather than what is easy. At the beginning, she struggles to speak up about what happened with Khalil because she is worried about what the community and those in power will say. This struggle to face her fears makes Starr very relatable as a protagonist, for after all we all have to face our fears eventually. We might as well do it like a Scorpio!
This is great, Maria! I like that you had fun, but still had some depth in your analysis. Do you think this is something you would have your future students do with books they read?
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