Families who loved Hate List by Jennifer Brown often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent should reach for this book when their teenager is navigating the fallout of a social crisis, or if they are exploring the complex concepts of shared responsibility and restorative justice. It is a profound choice for families wanting to discuss the nuances of bullying, school violence, and the path to redemption. The story follows Valerie, a girl whose boyfriend committed a school shooting. While she was a victim who tried to stop him, she also helped him write the Hate List that sparked the tragedy. It is a raw and realistic look at guilt, family breakdown, and the difficult journey of returning to a community that blames you for its deepest wounds. Due to the intense subject matter, it is best suited for mature readers aged 14 and up who are ready to grapple with heavy emotional questions.