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.

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

- Hate List was Jennifer Brown's debut novel, first published in 2009, and garnered critical acclaim for its sensitive handling of complex and challenging themes.
- The book has received several awards, including being named a School Library Journal Best Book of 2009 and a Missouri Gateway Readers Award nominee.
- Jennifer Brown crafted Hate List to provide a nuanced perspective on the aftermath of high school violence, aiming to spark discussion and foster understanding among young readers.

**Valerie Leftman**  
A 16-year-old girl who navigates the aftermath of a tragic event at her high school. She is the narrator, creatively expressing her emotions through art.

**Nick Levil**  
A high school junior and boyfriend of Valerie who becomes central to a catastrophic event. He struggles with bullying and personal issues.

**Jenny Leftman**  
Valerie's mother, who grapples with maintaining her family image amid marital issues and external pressures.

**Ted Leftman**  
Valerie’s father, a lawyer who is entangled in a failing marriage and exhibits selfish tendencies.

**Frankie Leftman**  
Valerie’s younger brother, who is popular and has a different social circle from his sister.

**Jessica Campbell**  
A popular classmate of Valerie who undergoes personal growth and transformation after a significant event.

**Morris Kline**  
A well-loved chemistry teacher and track coach at Garvin High, known for his dedication to his students.

**Jack Angerson**  
The principal of Garvin High, who is concerned with maintaining the school’s proper image and implementing strict policies.

**Stacey Brinks**  
Valerie’s best friend prior to a major event, they share common interests and history.

**Duce**  
A friend within Valerie’s social circle, known for his protective nature and loyalty.

**Christy Bruter**  
A classmate who is both a sports team captain and a past tormentor of Valerie.

**Dr. Rex Hieler**  
Valerie’s outpatient therapist, providing guidance and support during her recovery process.

**Dr. Dentley**  
The in-patient psychiatrist working with Valerie, whose approach is more traditional and less personalized.

**Mrs. Tate**  
The school guidance counselor at Garvin High who strives to help students despite feeling overwhelmed.

**Mrs. Tennille**  
An authoritarian teacher at Garvin High known for her strictness and frequent clashes with Valerie.

**Jeremy Watson**  
An influential figure in Nick’s life, contributing to his destructive behavior.

**Angela Dash**  
The reporter covering the Garvin High incident, representing media perspectives on tragic events.

**Bea**  
An art teacher who helps Valerie explore creative expression as a form of therapy.

Jennifer Brown

Novel

Hate List

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Hate List reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Hate List | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Hate List and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Hate List Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 Part 1, Chapters 1-2

Hate List Part 1, Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 3-4

Hate List Part 1, Chapters 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapter 5

Hate List Part 1, Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 Part 2, Chapters 6-7

Hate List Part 2, Chapters 6-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 8-9

Hate List Part 2, Chapters 8-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 10-11

Hate List Part 2, Chapters 10-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 12-13

Hate List Part 2, Chapters 12-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 14-15

Hate List Part 2, Chapters 14-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 Part 3, Chapters 16-17

Hate List Part 3, Chapters 16-17 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 18-19

Hate List Part 3, Chapters 18-19 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 20-21

Hate List Part 3, Chapters 20-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 22-23

Hate List Part 3, Chapters 22-23 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 24-25

Hate List Part 3, Chapters 24-25 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 26-27

Hate List Part 3, Chapters 26-27 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 28-29

Hate List Part 3, Chapters 28-29 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 30-31

Hate List Part 3, Chapters 30-31 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 32-33

Hate List Part 3, Chapters 32-33 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 34-35

Hate List Part 3, Chapters 34-35 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 36-37

Hate List Part 3, Chapters 36-37 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 38-39

Hate List Part 3, Chapters 38-39 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 40-41

Hate List Part 3, Chapters 40-41 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 42-43

Hate List Part 3, Chapters 42-43 Summary & Analysis

Part 4 Part 4, Chapter 44

Hate List Part 4, Chapter 44 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Hate List Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Hate List Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Hate List Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Hate List Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Hate List Essay Topics

Hate List

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Hate List?

Reading Age

Book Details