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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Inspiration for The Hate U Give
- Angie Thomas found herself represented in Mildred D. Taylor's Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.
- This book's impact inspired her to create a contemporary family like the Logans in The Hate U Give.
Exposing Kids to Harsh Truths
- Exposing children to harsh realities in books can be beneficial.
- Kids grasp what they can understand, and the rest goes over their heads, fostering awareness.
Violent Commercials and Kids
- Neil Pasricha was disturbed by violent commercials on an airplane.
- He questions whether such exposure is appropriate for young children.
