School is out for the summer, but many students are working through their summer reading lists.

Over the past year, The Show has heard from authors of books for middle-grade and young adult readers dealing with issues of race, gender, disability and socioeconomic differences, among other things. It’s a series called Lit Squad — and to kick off a new season, The Show spoke with author Angie Thomas.

Imani Khayyam, Balzer + Bray

Angie Thomas, author of “Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy”

→ Listen to the Lit Squad podcast

Her New York Times bestselling debut novel, published in 2017, "The Hate U Give," was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. In 2018 it was made into a movie.

It was also listed as one of the most banned books in the country last year. Thomas' latest novel is called "Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophesy." It’s her first foray into writing fantasy fiction, and her first time writing for a middle-grade audience.

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