On The Come Up, by Angie Thomas
Sixteen-year-old Bri wants to be one
of the greatest rappers of all time. Or at least win her first battle.
But it’s hard to get your come up
when you’re labeled a hoodlum at school, and your fridge at home is empty after
your mom loses her job. So Bri pours her anger and frustration into her first
song, which goes viral…for all the wrong reasons.
Bri soon finds herself at the center
of a controversy, portrayed by the media as more menace than MC. But with an
eviction notice staring her family down, Bri doesn’t just want to make it—she has
to. Even if it means becoming the very thing the public has made her out to
be.
Insightful, unflinching, and full of
heart, On the Come Up is an ode to hip hop from one of the most
influential literary voices of a generation. It is the story of fighting for
your dreams, even as the odds are stacked against you; and about how,
especially for young black people, freedom of speech isn’t always free.
★ “This follow-up to Thomas’ landmark The Hate U Give,
set in the same fictional city after the events of that book, demonstrates
again Thomas’ gift for crackling dialogue, complex characterization, and
impactful emotion. Readers already lining up for this title won’t be
disappointed.” (Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review))
★ “While acknowledging that society is quick to slap labels onto black teens, the author allows her heroine to stumble and fall before finding her footing and her voice. Thomas once again fearlessly speaks truth to power; a compelling coming-of-age story for all teens.” (School Library Journal (starred review))
★ “On the Come Up truly shines in its exploration of Bri’s resilience, determination, and pursuit of her dreams. In this splendid novel, showing many facets of the black identity and the black experience, Thomas gives readers another dynamic protagonist to root for.” (ALA Booklist (starred review))
★ “This honest and unflinching story of toil, tears, and triumph is a musical love letter that proves literary lightning does indeed strike twice. The rawness of Bri’s narrative demonstrates Thomas’ undeniable storytelling prowess. A joyous experience awaits. Read it. Learn it. Love it.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))
★ “While acknowledging that society is quick to slap labels onto black teens, the author allows her heroine to stumble and fall before finding her footing and her voice. Thomas once again fearlessly speaks truth to power; a compelling coming-of-age story for all teens.” (School Library Journal (starred review))
★ “On the Come Up truly shines in its exploration of Bri’s resilience, determination, and pursuit of her dreams. In this splendid novel, showing many facets of the black identity and the black experience, Thomas gives readers another dynamic protagonist to root for.” (ALA Booklist (starred review))
★ “This honest and unflinching story of toil, tears, and triumph is a musical love letter that proves literary lightning does indeed strike twice. The rawness of Bri’s narrative demonstrates Thomas’ undeniable storytelling prowess. A joyous experience awaits. Read it. Learn it. Love it.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))
