Book Riot Read Harder Challenge 2017: Read a debut novel. This may be the most buzzed-about YA debut of all time, with a 13-house auction for the manuscript, a movie in the works, and 8 starred reviews. I can safely say it lives up to the hype. Read it for a nuanced and personal story involving many timely topics: police brutality, interracial dating, casual racism, teen friendship and allegiance, social justice warriors, social media, news media, religion, class & race divisions -- and how some bridges can start to be built. This will educate readers on the cycle of poverty, the appeal of gangs, and the societal damage caused by lack of opportunity. 
 Writing-wise, so many of author Angie Thomas's turns of phrase caused me to smile and take note: "emotional hangover," "struggle meals," and "Voldemorted" (when you are angry at someone and won't say their name). Starr's voice and pop-culture references are spot-on, making this one of those rare books that will rate equally high in literary quality and popularity with actual teens. 
 "Sometimes you can do everything right and things will still go wrong. The key is to never stop doing right." 
 "That's the problem. We let people say stuff, and they say it so much that it becomes okay to them and normal for us. What's the point of having a voice if you're gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn't be?"