4. What does Angie Thomas want her young adult readers to understand about activism

through reading the novel?

She wants them to understand that it is okay if you are afraid to stand up for something but if you really believe in it then you should. She also wants young adults to understand the importance of being proud of your religion, race, etc. She expresses this by showing us how Starr went from being afraid, to standing up for black people's lives and rights to becoming a young activist.