Hate List
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
Hate List is a young adult novel authored by Jennifer Brown and released in 2009 through Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Prior to this debut, Brown transitioned from writing a humor column for a newspaper to crafting a narrative that delves into the consequences of a school shooting, addressing issues such as animosity, bullying, familial conflicts, and suicide.
Plot summary
The narrative is presented from the viewpoint of Valerie Leftman. Valerie’s boyfriend, Nick Levil, is responsible for the shooting incident at their American high school. Together, they had compiled a "Hate List" featuring individuals and things they disliked—while Valerie considered it a joke, Nick regarded it with seriousness. During the attack, Valerie shields Jessica Campbell and sustains a gunshot wound to her leg; subsequently, Nick takes his own life.
Upon awakening in the hospital, Valerie faces overwhelming guilt and public condemnation related to the event. Half a year later, she reenters school life amid broken friendships, strained family relationships, and social ostracism. As peers argue over whether she is an innocent victim or partly accountable, her parents’ marriage falls apart, her brother harbors resentment toward her, and the girl whose life she saved emerges as an unexpected supporter. The novel follows Valerie’s path toward forgiveness, regaining strength, and emotional healing as she envisions her future despite the tragedy associated with her.
Awards
- American Library Association 2010 Best Books for Young Adults
- Young Adult Library Services Association 2012 Popular Paperback
- Michigan Library Association's Thumbs Up! Award
- 2012 Oklahoma Sequoyah Book Award
- School Library Journal Best Book of 2009
- 2009 Children’s Indie Next Pick
- New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
- Young Adult Library Services Association Teens’ Top Ten Nominee
- Bank Street Best Book of the Year
- VOYA Perfect Ten
- New Hampshire Flume Award nominee
- Arkansas Teen Book Award Honorable Mention
- Iowa High School Book Award finalist
- Louisiana Teen Readers’ Choice Award Winner
- Missouri Gateway Readers Award Winner