Hate crimes are a sadly common occurrence in our society, and they can be difficult to understand and deal with. Books can be a great way to help people learn about and process these types of events. Here are some of the best books about hate crimes:
1. “Hate Crimes in America” by Jack Levin and Jack McDevitt
This book is a comprehensive look at hate crimes in America, providing an in-depth analysis of why they occur and how they can be prevented.
2. “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” by Michelle Alexander
This book explores how our criminal justice system disproportionately targets people of color, resulting in a new form of Jim Crow-style discrimination.
3. “No Place to Hide: Racism in the Suburbs” by James W. Loewen
This book looks at how racism manifests in suburban areas, often in more subtle and insidious ways than in urban areas.
4. “Hate UGive” by Angie Thomas
This young adult novel tells the story of a black teenager who witnesses the police shooting of her unarmed friend. It explores the aftermath of the shooting and the resulting protests through the eyes of the protagonist.
5. “When Hate Groups March” by Eleanor Novek
This book tells the story of a group of white supremacists who march through a small town in Massachusetts, and the violence that ensues. It explores the motivations of the hate group members as well as the townspeople who oppose them.
6. “A Time to Break Silence: The Essential Works of Martin Luther King, Jr.”
This collection of essays, speeches, and sermons by Martin Luther King, Jr. is a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out against hate and bigotry.
7. “I Am Jazz” by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings
This picture book is based on the true story of Jazz Jennings, a transgender girl who has been sharing her story with the world since she was a young child. It is a great introduction to the concepts of gender identity and transgenderism for young readers.
8. “The Other Wes Moore” by Wes Moore
This book tells the story of two young men named Wes Moore who grew up in similar circumstances but ended up with very different life outcomes. One Wes Moore is a Rhodes Scholar and successful businessman, while the other is serving a life sentence in prison. The book explores the factors that contributed to each man’s choices and life circumstances.
9. “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas (movie)
This movie is based on the book of the same name (see above). It is a powerful and moving story that brings the realities of racism and police violence to the big screen.
10. “13th” (movie)
This documentary explores the history of race and racism in America, with a focus on the mass incarceration of black Americans. It is a sobering look at the reality of racism in our country and its impact on black Americans today.