67 pages • 2-hour read
Jennifer BrownA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
528
Novel • Fiction
•
Modern Classic Fiction•
Dramatic Literature2000s
•
Mental Illness2009
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
YA
14-18 years
In Jennifer Brown's debut novel Hate List, Valerie Leftman struggles with grief and guilt as she returns to Garvin High School months after her boyfriend, Nick Levil, committed a tragic school shooting, using their shared "hate list" to target classmates; the story unfolds through Valerie's flashbacks, exploring bullying, trauma, and the complexities of recovery. This book addresses themes such as gun violence, mental health, bullying, and trauma.
Dark
Emotional
Melancholic
Challenging
Contemplative
66,461 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jennifer Brown's Hate List is a thought-provoking YA novel that delves into the aftermath of a school shooting. The story is praised for its raw and realistic portrayal of grief, guilt, and healing, with well-drawn characters and a compelling narrative. However, some readers find the pacing uneven and the secondary characters underdeveloped. Overall, it's an impactful read.
A reader who would enjoy Hate List by Jennifer Brown is typically a young adult interested in contemporary fiction that tackles serious issues such as bullying, trauma, and redemption. Fans of Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why or Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak would find this compelling narrative engaging and thought-provoking.
66,461 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A high school junior and boyfriend of Valerie who becomes central to a catastrophic event. He struggles with bullying and personal issues.
Valerie's mother, who grapples with maintaining her family image amid marital issues and external pressures.
Valerie’s father, a lawyer who is entangled in a failing marriage and exhibits selfish tendencies.
Valerie’s younger brother, who is popular and has a different social circle from his sister.
A popular classmate of Valerie who undergoes personal growth and transformation after a significant event.
A well-loved chemistry teacher and track coach at Garvin High, known for his dedication to his students.
The principal of Garvin High, who is concerned with maintaining the school’s proper image and implementing strict policies.
Valerie’s best friend prior to a major event, they share common interests and history.
A friend within Valerie’s social circle, known for his protective nature and loyalty.
A classmate who is both a sports team captain and a past tormentor of Valerie.
Valerie’s outpatient therapist, providing guidance and support during her recovery process.
The in-patient psychiatrist working with Valerie, whose approach is more traditional and less personalized.
The school guidance counselor at Garvin High who strives to help students despite feeling overwhelmed.
An authoritarian teacher at Garvin High known for her strictness and frequent clashes with Valerie.
An influential figure in Nick’s life, contributing to his destructive behavior.
The reporter covering the Garvin High incident, representing media perspectives on tragic events.
An art teacher who helps Valerie explore creative expression as a form of therapy.
528
Novel • Fiction
•
Modern Classic Fiction•
Dramatic Literature2000s
•
Mental Illness2009
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
YA
14-18 years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 10,300+ additional titles.