Starr's identity:

• I'm seventeen; This one show us the age.

• I go to Williamson Prep, a private school in the suburns.

• There are two versions of me: Williamson Starr and Garden Heights.

• I shouldn't cuss. Williamson Starr doesn't give anyone a reason to call her gheto.

• I gotta keep my Williamson game face on at all time.

Community:

• Garden Heights is our neighborhood.

• People live by the code of the streets.

• Drive-bys happen here.

• In williamson I'm cool by default because I'm black.

• In Garden Heights I'm cool because of who my dad is.

• Big D's party is loud, crowded, and smells like weed

In the book "The Hate U Give" appear as main character Starr Carter, a young girl with double personality thanks to the 2 environments in where it's presented, the first being Garden Heights, her neighborhood, metioned as a problematic, poor and violent environment, with differences between his population and different types of exclusion, however showing loyalty and awareness with the reality of her community. The other environment being the Hillman Academy, a more exclusive, privileged and less problematic space.

This marked difference between her 2 environments more frequented causes she need to adapt and change some aspects of their personality depending where she is at the moment, weighinh on her on many occasions this duality, but showing a clear capacity to adapt, highlighting her resilience.

“Damn, this shit strong,”

He meant for it to go a whole different way yesterday, which is the problem.

I was in Mr. Donald’s class last week when Aaliyah told me—”

“Nah, girl. I had to go get Starr,”

“You just mad he threw you out,”

“Girl, quit lying,” the guy says. “You know you don’t know her ass.”

“Can’t believe you still love whiny-ass Drake.”

I see that bitch tho. Bout to handle her ass

,” he says, brushing the sides of his fade. “Some Garden Disciples came in when I got there. Something was bound to pop off.”

• Party

• Girls wear their hair colored, curled, laid, and slayed.

• I would’ve stayed home and watched Fresh Prince reruns

• She never wears the same outfit twice.

• I can lie

• I’m cool by default

• The music changes

• we are at the bottom in Garden Heights

• They came out a few years ago,

• leaving chaos in the rearview mirror.

1. I’m the only one from Garden Heights at Williamson Prep.

2. I have to keep them separate

3. I can’t stand myself for doing it, but I do it anyway

4. I`ve taught myself to speak with two different voices and only say certain things around certain people

5. At Williamson I don’t talk about Garden Heights, and at Garden Heights I don’t talk about Williamson

6. It’s weird when your life splits in two like that

7. I can never be myself at school

8. Being two different people is so exhausting

9. The Williamson Starr doesn’t use slang

10. The Williamson Starr holds her tongue when people make her mad off so nobody will think she’s the ‘angry black girl

1 Garden Heights

2 Basketball shoes

2 Code-switching

4 Family

5 Party

5 frases

1 Garden doesn’t play about stuff like that.

2 Sometimes I feel like I live in two worlds.

3 never know which Starr I have to be

4 I’m cool by association.

5 Daddy says our names have power

5 Words

1. Invisible

2. Uncomfortable

3. Cool

4. Different

5. Quiet

6. I feel uncomfortable around here.

7. Big Mav’s daughter.

8. It’s hard to make friends when you go to a school that’s forty-five minutes away and you’re a latchkey kid who’s only seen at her family’s store.

9. I’m invisible. 👻

10. I put my hands up. 🙌

·         Williamson Starr doesn't use slang if a rapper would say it, she doesn't say it, even if her white friends do.

·         I'm not quiet because I'm shy.

·         Garden Heights is one world. Williamson is another. And I got to keep it separate.

·         Sometimes I feel like I have to keep them separate.

·         My parents say they moved us out of the neighborhood for our safety.

Community or Environment:

·         Garden Heights has been a mess lately.

·         We’ve had shootings, drug dealers, and police raids.

·         This is the ghetto, so drug dealers are expected.

·         The party is at Big D’s house.

·         People say Garden Heights is getting worse.

• Protective

• Someone’s missing from it. Natasha

• Brotherhood

• It’s silent in the Impala except for Tupacc

• Shot

• Khalil glances over at me

• Friendship

• We used to call ourselves? The Hood Trio

• Police

• Crazy it’s been six years, you know?

you go to that white-people school

Trust me, my school has hoes too. Hoedom is universal.

Really, Kenya? You do know I have friends, right?

Them li’! bougie girls from your school don’t count.

They’re not bougie, and they do count.

Maya and I are cool. Not sure what’s up with me and Hailey lately.

Honestly? I don’t know who DeVante is.

I say what I’m supposed to. CHAPTER 1

I’m in a hoodie, looking a straight-up mess

I might not be answering Chris’s calls or texts right now

Remember I’m in a hoodie

Chris’s calls or texts

He’s still mine and I wanna keep it that way

words

hoodie

calls

mess

boyfriend

mine

• Khalil breaks a rule—he doesn’t do what the cop wants

• Daddy’s instructions echo in my head: Get a good look at the cop’s face

• My heart pounds loudly

• As if we aren’t blinded enough, the officer beams his flashlight in our faces

• One-Fifteen looks over them

• Where are you two coming from tonight?

• Your taillight’s broken

• Get out the car, smart guy

• Hands up, where I can see them

• He pats Khalil down two more times

• He turns up empty

• My parents haven’t raised me to fear the police, just to be smart around them.

• Juan Castiblanco 10A

"(...)everybody and their momma comes to his spring break parties—well, everybody except me—but damn, I didn’t know it would be this many people.(...)"

“Stop following me and go dance, Starr,” Kenya says. “People already say you think you all that.”

"(...)"Do I look like I care what people think?”

“No! And that’s the problem!”

“Whatever.” If I’d known following her to this party meant she’d be on some Extreme Makeover: Starr Edition mess,(...)

"The ironic thing is though, at Williamson I don’t have to “play it cool”—I’m cool by default because I’m one of the only black kids there.(...)"

This shows that she things that she is unique and shy, like read but she has like a bad luck.

1. party

2. unconfortable

3. family

4. different

5. quiet

1. I feel uncomfortable around here

2. Girls wear their hair colored, curled, laid and slayed

3. some times i feel like I live in two words

4. I'm invisible

5. leaving chaos in the rearview mirror

“I’m not even sure I belong at this party.” – Starr begins to question whether she really has a place in this social setting, reflecting her disconnect from the party atmosphere.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of them are conceived the night of Big D’s party.” – This sentence gives a raw insight into the type of parties in Garden Heights, showing how young people often find themselves in problematic situations.

“People already say you think you’re all that.” – Here we see how prejudice and labels affect Starr, who is judged for her education and her apparent “superiority” over others.

Community and environment:

“Big D’s house is packed wall-to-wall.” – The crowded party represents the kind of saturated environment in Garden Heights, where social relationships are often superficial and conflictual.

“It’s cool to be black until it’s hard to be black.” – This phrase reflects how in some environments (such as Starr’s private school), being black becomes a mark of distinction, but in her neighborhood, being black also means facing difficult challenges.

“She’s messy as hell sometimes. Always fighting somebody..." – Kenya's description gives us an idea of the kind of social tensions present in Garden Heights, where fights and the struggle for status are common in the community.

Starr's Identity:

*She never seas the same outfit twice

*I've taught myself to Speak with two different voices and only say certain things a round certain people

*Either version of me

*I’m Big Mav’s daughter who works in the store

*I’m cool by default because I’m one of the only black kids there.

Comunity:

*Big D’s house is packed wall-to-wall

*Spring in Garden Heights doesn’t, always bring love, but it promises babies in the winter

*People glance over at me with that ‘who is this chick, standing against the wall by herself like an idiot?’ look

*people say that Garden Heights is getting worse

*At Williamson I don't talk about Garden Heights, and at Garden Heights I don't talk about Williamson

Identy

·         “Folks kill me, thinking they know what I think.”

Starr talks about how people judge him without even really knowing him

·         “I can’t say anything. Doesn’t matter though. I’m invisible.”

Starr talks about how he feels ignored, that makes he feels invisible

·         “I’m always at the store.”

Starr isa ll the time in the store reflecrs the importance of familly work in his life, and the connetion with it

Community

·         “Some rapper calls out for everybody to Nae-Nae, followed by a bunch of ‘Heys’ as people launch into their own versions.”

Music is an important element of community culture, but it can also be a point of conflict in the comunity.

·         “Kenya’s stank-eye reaches its highest level of stank.”

Tension between people can cause conflicto, like Kenya

·         “It’s easy to hang out with Kenya because of our connection to Seven”.

The relaionship of Kenya, is an example of how are the connecions in the community

Starr's Emotions

•         Fear and Nervousness: Starr feels pressured, intimidated, and afraid of saying the "wrong" thing.

•         Confusion: She doesn't understand why they treat her as if she'd done something wrong.

•         Pain and Sadness: The scene revives the trauma of seeing Khalil die.

•         Insecurity and Silence: She prefers to call repeatedly because she feels like she's not believed.

•         Distrust: She feels the police aren't seeking justice, but rather to blame Khalil.

Words

·       Did Khalil take anything from the car?

·       Was he selling drugs?

·       Did you see a gun

·       Answer the question, Mrs. Carter.

·       We just need the truth.

1. “I’m what they call the ‘hood girl’ at my school.”

2. “I have to flip the switch in my brain and act like I’m in Williamson.”

3. “I go to a white prep school, but I live in Garden Heights.”

4. “I’m the one who’s afraid to talk ghetto at school.”

5. “Garden Heights is drug dealer territory.”

6. “People in Garden Heights know everybody’s business.”

7. “My dad runs the store in the neighborhood.”

8. “Gunshots at night are normal around here.”

9. “Khalil and I grew up together in Garden Heights.”

10. “In the Garden you can’t trust everybody, but you know who has your back.”

• She feels scared because the police are treating her like she did something wrong.

• She feels nervous and doesn’t know what to say.

• She feels confused since they don’t really listen to her.

• She feels small and powerless.

Police tone and actions (words/phrases):

• The police talk to her in a cold way.

• They ask quick and sharp questions.

• They don’t let her finish explaining.

• They look at her like she is guilty instead of a witness.

• Perception: They remember Khalil as a loving, caring boy with dreams and humanity, not a stereotype.

2. The Neighbors and Community

• Perception: They see Khalil as a young man trapped by the circumstances of Garden Heights, a victim of limited opportunities, yet still valuable to the community.

3. The Media

• Perception: The media portrays him negatively, emphasizing stereotypes about drugs and gangs, which shapes public opinion against him.

Starr’s family remembers Khalil as someone close. Maverick insists that he should not be reduced to a police case because he was a son, a friend, someone who deserves justice. Lisa, although more concerned with protecting Starr, also recognizes that Khalil was part of her life since they were kids, in Garden Heights, opinions are divided. Some remember him as a good boy, someone loved in the community, but there are also rumors about gangs and drugs. His grandmother, Miss Rosalie, defends his memory and points out that he helped at home and took care of his family, the media, on the other hand, start showing a different picture, focusing on accusations that he was a drug dealer or a gangbanger. For the press, those labels seem more important than the fact that he was a young man whose life mattered, and this difference between what outsiders say and what his family and Starr know creates a strong tension.

People see Khalil in very different ways depending on their perspective. The media and police portray him as a dangerous drug dealer, using his past to justify his death and shift blame away from the officer who killed him. To the public, he becomes a stereotype rather than a real person. However, Starr, his childhood friend, remembers him as kind, funny, and loyal

Starr’s family remembers Khalil as someone very close to them — a boy who was an important part of their lives and who doesn’t deserve the negative things being said about him. Starr’s parents focus mostly on protecting and supporting her, knowing how difficult the experience was for her. At the same time, they make it clear that Khalil was much more than the image being spread about him.

The people in Garden Heights and the neighbors have mixed feelings about Khalil. Many view him as a victim of police brutality and feel anger that once again, someone from their community has died unfairly. However, there are also those who begin to repeat what they hear on the news, which paints him as someone involved with drugs.

In this chapter, the media begins to portray Khalil as a criminal, calling him a “drug dealer” and focusing only on that part of his life. They ignore who he truly was and what actually happened. This portrayal causes some people to see Khalil as responsible for his own death, rather than recognizing him as a victim of injustice.

Starr’s Perspective

Starr sees Khalil as a childhood friend, someone who was kind, protective, and familiar. She remembers playing with him, their bond growing up, and how life circumstances pulled them apart.

The Police

The police—particularly Officer One-Fifteen, who shot him—also treat Khalil as a threat. After the shooting, law enforcement focuses more on Khalil’s alleged criminal background than the fact that he was unarmed and shot unjustly.

Maverick (Starr's Father)

Maverick acknowledges Khalil’s mistakes but explains them as results of a broken system. He doesn’t excuse drug dealing but argues that Khalil, like many in their community, had limited choices and no safety net. To Maverick, Khalil is a victim of societal neglect and systemic racism, not just a “bad kid.”

Activists & the Black Community

Many in the community and activist circles (like April Ofrah) see Khalil as a symbol of injustice. His death becomes a rallying point in the fight against police brutality. People chant his name at protests, using his story to expose a larger pattern of systemic violence.

“My voice is shaky, and I hate that it is. I don’t want to look weak.”

“He was unarmed. He didn’t do anything wrong.”

“It’s like they’re not listening. Like I’m the problem.”

And the police was just interested if Khalil was a bad boy; we can see it in:

“Did Khalil sell drugs?” “Are you sure he didn’t have a gun?” or “We just need to know the facts.”

With this information, it seems like Starr feels uncomfortable about the interview because the police want to criticize Khalil

1. Starr’s emotions toward the police

• She feels confused because she does not understand so many questions.

• She is uncomfortable and defensive, as if she had done something wrong.

• She is afraid they will not believe her.

• She feels frustrated because Khalil had already been killed.

• Her voice trembles; she does not want to look weak.

• She thinks the police do not listen to her and make her feel as if she were the problem.

2. Police tone and actions

• They act cold and distant, repeating questions as if they did not trust her.

• They are insensitive, focusing more on catching mistakes than on what really happened.

• They call Khalil “the suspect” instead of by his name, reducing him to a stereotype.

• They seem more interested in                whether Khalil was a criminal than in the fact that he was unarmed and innocent.

3. Starr’s identity

• She lives divided between two worlds: her neighborhood (Garden Heights) and her white private school (Williamson).

• She feels as if she has to use two voices or personalities: one at school and another in her community.

• Many times, she feels invisible and out of place.

• She thinks: “I never know which version of Starr I should be.”

• At school she is the “hood girl,” but there she has to “switch the chip” to fit in.

4. Environment and community

• Garden Heights is seen as a poor, violent place linked to drugs, although for Starr it is also her home.

• In Garden Heights everyone knows each other’s lives; there is loyalty but also gossip and risks.

• She says that shootings at night are normal.

• At Williamson she cannot talk about her neighborhood, and in her neighborhood she cannot talk about her school: she is always separating worlds

5. Perception of Khalil

• For Starr: a childhood friend, protective, close, and loved.

• For his family: a caring and human boy, not a stereotype.

• For the community: a young man with few opportunities, trapped by circumstances.

• For the police and the press: a suspect or a criminal, more than a victim.

At school:

• She feels the need to “switch codes”, acting differently so her classmates do not see her as too “ghetto.”

• “I never talk about Garden Heights at Williamson. I don’t want them to think I’m the poor girl from the hood.”

• She hides her anger and pain, especially around Hailey and others, to avoid confirming stereotypes.

• “I hold it in. Williamson Starr doesn’t give anyone a reason to call her angry.”

At home:

• Starr feels the pressure to stay true to her roots and not seem like she is ashamed of her community.

• “Sometimes it feels like I’m too different for Garden Heights, yet not different enough for Williamson.”

• She feels judged if she behaves too “proper” or like she belongs to a different world.

• “I hate that I can’t be myself in either place. It’s like I have to split myself in two.”

Frases clave

• “Williamson Starr doesn’t use slang.”

• “Slang makes them cool. Slang makes her ‘hood.’”

• “My voice is changing already.”

Starr’s speech during the protest scene reveals her deep frustration, grief, and moral clarity. Through sharp, emotional language, Starr expresses anger toward her classmates, who treat Khalil’s death as an excuse to skip class rather than a call for justice. Her statement, “Khalil’s in a grave. He can’t get a day off from that shit,” highlights her pain and contrasts her lived experience with their superficial activism. By admitting she’s “breaking all of [her] Williamson Starr rules,” Starr rejects the need to hide her emotions to fit in at her mostly white school, showing growth in her self-acceptance. Even as she struggles to contain her rage—“If I open my mouth, I’ll explode”—she demonstrates maturity by choosing to stay seated, refusing to participate in a protest that lacks sincerity. Her interactions with Chris and Jess show that what she values most is authenticity and respect for Khalil’s memory. Overall, Starr’s voice conveys that true justice is not performative but rooted in empathy, honesty, and the courage to stand apart from hypocrisy.

1. “I have two versions of myself.”

2. “At Williamson, I don’t talk like I do at home.”

3. “Garden Heights is my world.”

4. “People at Williamson don’t know I’m from the ghetto.”

5. “My dad owns the grocery store.”

6. “Our neighborhood is full of people who look out for each other.”

7. “Gunshots at night are normal.”

8. “Momma says we have to be careful all the time.”

9. "I feel like I don’t fit anywhere.”

10. “My friends at school don’t understand my life here.”

Violeta Rondón Robayo

Police Actions and Tone:

“The officer points his gun.”

“Hands up!”

“Stay where you are!”

“The police call Khalil ‘the suspect.’”

“They ask cold questions.”

Violeta Rondón Robayo

1. “I’m the only one who can tell my story.”

2. “People at my school don’t know I live in Garden Heights.”

3. “At Williamson, I’m Starr version two.”

Starr’s Emotions: They reflect Starr's trauma and fear after witnessing Khalil's death. Her physical reactions show the profound impact the experience had on her, revealing the beginnings of her anxiety and silence.

1. “My hands shake so much I can barely hold my phone.”

2. “I can’t stop replaying it in my head.”

3. “I feel sick every time I think about it.”

Police’s Tone and Actions: The police's aggressive and intimidating attitude is emphasized, and their tone is authoritarian and distrustful, demonstrating control rather than concern.

1. “The cop yells, ‘Get out of the car!’”

2. “He keeps his hand on his gun.”

3. “He told Khalil to put his hands where he could see them.”

Environment and Community: The setting is marked by violence and silence. Starr's community is accustomed to police confrontations, which creates a sense of resignation. The setting reinforces how different their reality is from that of their schoolmates.

1. “The lights from the police car make everything look red and blue.”

2. “Garden Heights has seen this before.”

3. “The neighborhood gets quiet after dark.”

Violeta Rondón Robayo

Violeta Rondón Robayo

Violeta Rondón Robayo

Phrases about Starr’s identity

• “I’m cool by default because I’m one of the only Black kids there.”
  → Starr feels different at her school, marked by her racial identity.

• “I have to keep two versions of myself.”
  → Represents her struggle to maintain a double identity depending on her environment.

• “At home I’m Starr from Garden Heights, but at school I’m Starr Version Two.”
  → Reflects how she adapts her behavior to fit into different contexts.

Phrases about her environment or community

• “Garden Heights has two sides: the ones who want to escape and the ones who stay and fight.”
  → Shows the division and different dreams within the neighborhood.

• “People here look out for each other, even when times are hard.”
  → Highlights the solidarity and sense of community among the neighbors.

• “Gunshots are just another part of our soundtrack.”
  → Exposes how violence has become normalized in her surroundings.

Activity 2

Phrases about Starr’s emotions

• “My hands shake so bad I can’t stop them.”
  → Shows the fear and extreme tension Starr feels during the encounter.

• “I can’t move. I can’t think. I can’t breathe.”
  → Reflects a state of shock and emotional paralysis in the face of police violence.

• “All I can think about is Khalil’s blood on the street.”
  → Expresses her immediate trauma and pain over her friend’s death.

• “I’m afraid to say the wrong thing, afraid of what might happen if I do.”
  → Indicates her anxiety and distrust toward authority.

Phrases about the police’s tone or actions

• “He pointed his gun at us like we were criminals.”
  → Reflects the officer’s aggressive and threatening tone.

• “He kept his hand on his weapon even after I told him we weren’t doing anything.”
  → Shows distrust and abuse of power.

• “He told me to put my hands where he could see them, his voice cold and sharp.”
  → Highlights the lack of empathy and intimidation in his voice.

• “They asked questions like I’d done something wrong.”
  → Denotes unfair treatment and racial bias during the interrogation.

Activity 3

Family’s perception of Khalil

• “He was like another son to us.”
  → Starr’s family sees him as part of their home, remembering his closeness and kindness.

• “Khalil had this big smile that could light up a room.”
  → Reflects the affection and positive image her family has of him; they remember him as joyful and kind.

• “Mama says Khalil was just trying to help his family.”
  → Shows understanding of the difficult circumstances that led to his choices.

Neighbors and community perception

• “He didn’t deserve to die like that.”
  → The community sympathizes with his death and sees him as a victim of injustice.

• “People around here know Khalil was trying to make it out.”
  → Emphasizes that people in his neighborhood saw him as a young man with aspirations, not a criminal.

• “At the store, everyone talks about how the police treat us.”
  → Indicates that his death becomes a symbol of police mistreatment toward the Black community.

Media perception

• “They called him a drug dealer on the news.”
  → The media manipulates the narrative, focusing on stereotypes to justify his death.

• “They made him sound like he deserved it.”
  → Reflects the dehumanizing and prejudiced tone of the media coverage.

• “No one talks about how good of a person he was.”
  → Exposes the contrast between the truth known by those who loved him and the distorted public image.

Activity 4

Phrases about Starr at school (Williamson Prep)

• “At school, I don’t use slang; I don’t talk about Garden Heights.”
  → Shows how Starr censors herself to avoid being judged by her white classmates.

• “I can’t act too ghetto or too quiet.”
  → Reveals her worry about keeping a balance between her real identity and others’ expectations.

• “Sometimes I feel like I’m not even myself there.”
  → Expresses her feeling of disconnection and loss of authenticity at school.

• “They don’t understand what my life is like outside of school.”
  → Points to the cultural and emotional distance between Starr and her peers.

Phrases about Starr at home (Garden Heights)

• “When I’m home, I have to prove I’m still one of them.”
  → Indicates that she feels pressure to show she hasn’t changed or drifted away from her community.

• “My friends from the neighborhood think I’m too good for them now.”
  → Exposes her struggle to belong: she doesn’t fully fit into either world.

• “At home, I’m more myself, but even then I hold things back.”
  → Shows that even in her own environment, she can’t express herself completely freely.

Phrases that contrast both environments

• “I’m two different people and neither of them feels real.”
  → Summarizes her identity crisis as she tries to balance her two worlds.

• “Williamson Starr doesn’t talk about shootings or police.”
  → Shows her silence as a defense mechanism against racism or discomfort.

• “In Garden Heights, I can’t talk about my school life either.”
  → Points out that she must hide part of herself in both places, deepening her isolation.

Activity 5

• The Carter family stands out for its balance between firmness and tenderness.

• Maverick, the father, is a strong man with a troubled past but deeply committed to justice and his children’s education.

• Lisa, the mother, represents stability, unconditional love, and practicality.

• Starr and her siblings find in their family a safe space where they can be themselves, without the masks they wear elsewhere.

• Open communication, humor, and shared values (loyalty, respect, and racial pride) make this family a symbol of resistance and hope within their violent neighborhood.

Activity 6

During the protest, Starr leaves fear behind and speaks with strength. Her speech reflects anger, sadness, and courage as she defends Khalil. She shows a firm stance for justice and truth, making it clear that her voice represents those who can’t speak. Through her words, she demonstrates growth and leadership, using empathy and hope as tools to fight for change.

Activity 7

Starr’s arguments:

• Defends Khalil, saying he doesn’t deserve to be judged for his death.

• Explains that injustice comes from racism and prejudice that treated him as guilty without proof.

• Argues that all lives matter, but saying Black Lives Matter is necessary because Black lives are not treated equally.

Hailey’s replies:

• Downplays what happened, saying Khalil was a criminal.

• Claims the officer was just doing his job and that Starr is overreacting.

• Responds with ignorance and denial, showing her lack of empathy and racist mindset.

Activity 8

At the climax, Starr faces her greatest inner conflict: the fear of speaking out against injustice versus the need to do so. The emotions are intense  anger, pain, and courage  as she defends Khalil’s memory. Her actions show determination and bravery, especially when she joins the protest and refuses to stay silent. This moment marks her transformation into a strong and determined voice for justice.

Activity 9

In these chapters, Starr shows how much she has grown. She no longer fears speaking her mind and understands the importance of her voice. She becomes more confident, mature, and self-aware. She learns to balance her two worlds  the neighborhood and the school  without giving up her identity. Her growth is reflected in her confidence and commitment to keep fighting for justice and truth.

• At school, Starr acts different so people don’t call her “ghetto.”

• She talks in a more formal way and hides parts of who she is.

• At home, she feels more free and uses slang.

• It’s hard for her to balance both worlds.

• She feels like she’s living two lives.

of The Hate U Give, Starr Carter’s identity is divided between two worlds — her poor Black neighborhood, Garden Heights, and her mostly white, wealthy school, Williamson Prep. She changes how she speaks and acts to fit in, but never feels completely herself in either place. Her community is portrayed as both loving and dangerous, filled with warmth and fear. The shooting of her friend Khalil starts to change how Starr views herself and her role in both worlds, showing the struggle between staying silent and speaking out.

ACTIVITY 2:

In chapters 3 and 4, Starr feels nervous, scared, and frustrated during the police interrogation about Khalil’s death. The officers’ cold and suspicious tone makes her feel judged instead of heard. Their questions focus more on Khalil’s actions than on the officer who shot him, leaving Starr confused and angry. She tries to stay calm and polite, but inside she feels powerless and deeply hurt by the police’s lack of empathy and fairness.

ACTIVITY 3:

In chapters 5 and 6, people see Khalil in very different ways. Starr’s family and neighbors remember him as a kind boy who cared for others and didn’t deserve to die. But the media and outsiders label him a “thug” or gang member, focusing on stereotypes instead of who he really was. These views make Starr angry and sad because she knew the real Khalil — a friend, not a criminal. The situation shows how society unfairly judges Black victims and how Starr’s community fights to protect his true image.

ACTIVITY 4:

In chapters 7 and 8, Starr’s struggle with her identity grows stronger as she moves between school and home. At Williamson Prep, she hides parts of herself, avoiding slang or anger to seem “normal” to her white friends. At home in Garden Heights, she feels pressured to stay true to her roots and not act “too white.” This constant switching leaves her tired and unsure of who she really is. Key moments show her trying to balance both worlds while realizing she shouldn’t have to change to belong anywhere.

ACTIVITY 5:

In chapters 9 and 10, Starr’s family stands out for its love, honesty, and unity. Her parents, Maverick and Lisa, raise their children with discipline but also deep care and respect. They openly talk about tough issues like racism and justice, teaching Starr to be proud of her identity. Even when they disagree, the family stays close through humor and love. This mix of strength, protection, and openness makes their bond especially strong and meaningful.

ACTIVITY 6:

In chapters 11 and 12, Starr’s speech at the protest reveals her courage, pain, and determination to seek justice. She finally finds her voice, speaking from the heart about Khalil and the unfair system that took his life. Her words carry anger, sadness, and hope as she calls for change and respect for her community. Through this moment, Starr transforms from a silent witness into a strong activist, showing that her voice has power and that speaking out takes true bravery.

ACTIVITY 7:

In chapters 13 and 14, Starr and Hailey argue about racism and Khalil’s death, exposing their opposing views. Starr defends Khalil, insisting his life mattered and he didn’t deserve to die. She speaks with passion and honesty about racial injustice and police brutality. Hailey refuses to listen, relying on stereotypes to justify the shooting. Their argument reveals Hailey’s ignorance and Starr’s growing courage to confront prejudice, even if it means losing a friend.

ACTIVITY 8:

In chapters 15 and 16, the story reaches its climax as Starr faces chaos during the protest and takes a brave stand for justice. Surrounded by anger and fear, she refuses to stay silent any longer. Her grief, courage, and determination push her to speak out for Khalil and her community. Letting go of her fear, she becomes a symbol of strength, showing that speaking the truth — even in danger — is the most powerful act of all.

ACTIVITY 9:

In chapters 17 and 18, Starr shows clear personal growth. She learns to embrace her voice without fear and accepts every part of her identity — her community, her pain, and her strength. Instead of staying quiet or trying to fit in, she proudly stands up for what’s right. Starr realizes that speaking out for justice is not only about Khalil but about everyone who deserves to be heard. Her growth shines through her confidence, courage, and dedication to change.

Santiago Alvarez

Hailey’s Counterpoints:
Hailey argues that she “doesn’t see color” and insists the shooting was the result of Khalil’s own actions, not racism. She defends the police by claiming they were simply “doing their job.” When Starr challenges her, Hailey accuses her of being “aggressive” and of turning every issue into one about race. Instead of taking responsibility, Hailey portrays herself as the victim of Starr’s anger. She also repeats biased media claims that Khalil was a drug dealer who brought his fate upon himself, showing how deeply she has internalized society’s racist narratives without questioning them.

Santiago Alvarez

Starr’s development is revealed through her courage, accountability, and unwavering commitment to justice even in the face of danger. When gunfire strikes her family’s house, she feels fear but also recognizes that the attack is an attempt to silence her for telling the truth. Rather than giving in to that fear, she draws strength from her own voice. Her initial reluctance to testify transforms into a powerful sense of purpose she becomes determined to speak for Khalil and for her community. Starr’s maturity also appears in her relationships with her family: she listens to her parents’ concerns, understands her father’s experiences with racism, and learns to appreciate Uncle Carlos’s point of view as a Black police officer. She begins to channel her anger into thoughtful action, showing that she can balance emotion with reason. By Chapter 18, when Starr takes control of her story and continues to speak out, it’s clear that her growth is not just about finding her voice but fully claiming it she evolves from a frightened observer into a brave, self-assured young woman who refuses to be silenced.

Santiago Alvarez

During the interrogation, Starr was emotionally and physically overwhelmed. Though she wanted to speak up and defend Khalil, fear choked her voice, leaving her feeling completely powerless. The trauma wasn't just mental; her body reacted with uncontrollable shaking and difficulty breathing as the awful memory played back. This profound shock culminated in her throwing up once she got home. Even though she was innocent, the heavy burden of guilt settled on her, worsening the intense pain caused by the situation.

Santiago Alvarez

Starr’s family is built on a deep, genuine honesty that defines who they are. Their openness with one another creates a strong sense of unity that stands firm against the chaos of the outside world. No matter how dangerous or uncertain things become, their first instinct is always to come together and protect each other. Lisa, Starr’s mother, serves as the steady and determined center of the family, taking practical steps to keep everyone safe. Starr’s older brother, Seven, tries to show independence and maturity, but he ultimately respects and follows the family’s guidance. The Carters’ way of communicating is lively and full of emotion—they argue passionately, laugh freely, and defend one another without hesitation. Their interactions reflect a past filled with challenges and complexity, yet it is their unwavering love that keeps them strong and united through it all.

Santiago Alvarez

1. I’m the only one from Garden Heights at Williamson Prep.

2. I have to keep them separate

3. I can’t stand myself for doing it, but I do it anyway

4. I`ve taught myself to speak with two different voices and only say certain things around certain people

5. At Williamson I don’t talk about Garden Heights, and at Garden Heights I don’t talk about Williamson

6. It’s weird when your life splits in two like that

7. I can never be myself at school

8. Being two different people is so exhausting

9. The Williamson Starr doesn’t use slang

10. The Williamson Starr holds her tongue when people make her mad off so nobody will think she’s the ‘angry black girl

LAB 2

SCENE: Starr is questioned by the police

EMOTIONS STARR FELT

While being questioned by the police, she feels confused because she doesn’t know why they are asking her so many questions about what happened. She is defensive, trying to protect herself by saying that she never got anything from Khalil. She feels uncomfortable because the questions make her think she did something wrong, and helpless because she thinks they won’t believe her. She is frustrated because despite everything, he had already been killed. She was scared by everything that had happened.

TONE AND ACTIONS WITH THE POLICE

They were too hesitant because they asked the same questions too many times. They were insensitive and cold because they were too blunt. They were accusatory, insinuating that Khalil had done something wrong, and they minimised the importance of what the police officer had done.

LAB 3

Starr’s family remembers Khalil as a very close person, a boy who was part of their lives and who does not deserve everything they say about her. Starr’s parents focus more on protecting her and supporting her because they know what she went through was very hard, but at the same time they make it clear that Khalil was much more than they say.

The neighbors and the Garden Heights community view Khalil with various sentiments. Many see him as a victim of police violence and feel anger that once again someone from their neighborhood dies unjustly, yet there are also those who begin to repeat what they hear on television or in the news, which portrays him as someone involved in drugs.

The media in this chapter starts to show Khalil as a criminal in the news, calling him a “drug dealer” and focusing all the attention on that side, without talking about him as a person or what really happened. This media view makes people see him as guilty of his own death, instead of recognizing him as a victim of an injustice.

LAB 4

• “At Williamson, I’m cool Starr. I don’t use slang, I don’t talk about Garden Heights.”

• “Here, I have to watch every word, every move.”

• “At home, people say I talk too white.”

• “I can’t be myself in either place.”

• “Sometimes I feel like I’m two different people and I hate it.”

• “One side of me wants to fit in, the other side wants to speak up.”

• “I wish I could just be Starr, not Williamson Starr or Garden Heights Starr.”

Starr feels trapped between two worlds — her poor Black neighborhood and her rich white school.

At Williamson, she hides parts of her identity to be accepted.

At home, she feels she doesn’t completely belong either.

This internal conflict shows her struggle with identity and the pressure to act differently depending on where she is.

It also highlights how racism and stereotypes make her feel divided.

 LAB 5

Starr’s family is unique because they are strong, loving, and always honest with each other. Even when they argue, they stay united and support one another. Her father teaches her about pride and justice, while her mother gives her emotional strength. Their open conversations about racism and life help Starr find her voice and courage. This family dynamic makes her feel safe and proud of who she is.

LAB 6

In the protest, Starr’s speech is full of emotion and courage. She expresses her anger and pain over the injustice faced by her friend Khalil and many other Black people. Her voice shows both fear and strength, but she uses that moment to speak up for truth and equality. Starr conveys her emotions through powerful and sincere words, showing how deeply the situation affects her.

She also makes her stance on justice clear — she believes that silence helps the oppressors, so speaking out is necessary. By raising her voice in front of everyone, she turns her pain into power and becomes a symbol of resistance and hope for her community.

LAB 7

In these chapters, Starr and Hailey argue about racism and Khalil’s death. Starr defends the truth, saying that Khalil was innocent and that racism is real, while Hailey refuses to see it and says the officer was “just doing his job.” Their argument shows how privilege blinds Hailey and how frustrated Starr feels when people ignore injustice. This moment is important because it proves that Starr is no longer afraid to speak up, even if it costs her a friendship.

LAB 8

The climax of Starr’s story happens when she finally raises her voice in front of everyone during the protest. She’s scared, angry, and emotional, but also brave and determined. When she shouts Khalil’s name through the megaphone, she turns her pain into strength. This is the moment when Starr fully becomes the voice of her community. She understands that silence only helps injustice, and she decides to fight for change, no matter the risk

LAB 9

By the end of the story, Starr shows how much she has grown. She accepts both sides of her identity Garden Heights and Williamson — and learns to speak confidently in any place. She’s not the quiet girl she was at the beginning; now she’s strong, proud, and unafraid. Starr understands that her voice matters and that she can make a difference. Her growth represents hope, courage, and the power of speaking the truth.