Thomas told the Journal-News from her Jackson, Mississippi home she was amazed at the wide following her fictional book received. It focuses on the racially sensitive landscape traversed by black, 14-year-old Starr Carter as she moves from poverty to private school worlds that seldom meet.
The book, which is the recipient of the William C. Morris Award and the Waterstone Children’s Book Prize, has reached an audience not usually addressed by modern fiction, said Thomas.
There are reasons for its popularity, she said of her book.
“It shows young people the power of words,” said Thomas. “It’s been a crazy two years since the book came out and it sold millions of copies and the movie has also touched millions.”
She looks forward to visiting Hamilton and talking about “making the political personal.”
“What I mean about that is encouraging young people to find their voice and speaking up about the things that mean something to them,” she said.
Thomas’ appearance is sponsored by The Lane Libraries and is free to the public.
Carrie Mancuso, spokeswoman for The Lane Libraries, said officials “are particularly excited for this event because we are able to bring a big name author to town whose work is well known with both young adult and adult readers alike.”
“The themes within The Hate U Give are relevant to so many cities across the country and ours is no exception. We believe that this opportunity to hear from the author and to start a community conversation is very important and valuable,” said Mancuso.
Hamilton High School is at 1165 Eaton Ave.
She said in addition to her public talk, Thomas will also talk with Hamilton High School students during her visit, she said.
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