
3 Books With Neil Pasricha
Chapter 26: Angie Thomas on righting racist wrongs and remembering radicals
Mar 29, 2025
Angie Thomas, New York Times bestselling author known for her impactful young adult novels, joins the discussion to tackle pressing social justice issues. She reflects on the role of literature in understanding race, emphasizing the need for honest storytelling in YA fiction. Angie also delves into the intersection of faith and social justice, critiques media representation, and shares personal connections to Tupac's work, highlighting themes of resilience and empathy. Plus, she reveals her three formative books that shaped her worldview.
48:47
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Quick takeaways
- Angie Thomas emphasizes the profound impact of representation in literature, showcasing how relatable characters inspire young readers to see themselves as heroes.
- She discusses the importance of exposing young readers to challenging topics like racism and social injustice through literature, fostering a deeper understanding of societal issues.
Deep dives
Embracing Representation in Literature
The impact of seeing oneself in literature is profound, as exemplified by Angie Thomas when discussing 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.' This book resonated deeply with her, being the first time she encountered a character who reflected her own experience as a young Black girl in Mississippi. The connection she felt with the Logan family galvanized her love for reading and eventually influenced her own writing in 'The Hate U Give.' Thomas believes that representation in literature is crucial for young readers to understand that they, too, can be heroes in their own stories.
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