The main character and narrator of the book, Starr is the daughter of Mav and Lisa, and sister to Sekani and Seven. She is a junior in high school who struggles to reconcile her life at the predominantly white private school, Williamson Prep, with her upbringing and home life in Garden Heights, a predominantly Black and poor neighborhood with a prominent gang presence. Her life is hard in many respects; she saw her best friend shot and killed in a drive-by when they were 11 years old.

At the start of the story, she witnesses the murder of another friend, Khalil, by a police officer during a routine traffic stop. She struggles to find a way to advocate for Khalil without endangering herself or her family.

Starr also dates a white boy from Williamson, which presents certain problems for them both to overcome. However, throughout the novel, they grow closer as Starr opens up to Chris, who proves himself a firm advocate for her and her community.

At the end of the book, Starr uses her voice to speak out for Khalil and tell his side of the story, revealing the understood but rarely discussed systemic racism in the police force and in society at large.