Major motion picture now filming! From Paramount Players and Temple Hill Entertainment, and starring Sanaa Lathan (in her directorial debut), Jamila C. Gray, Method Man, Mike Epps and Da’Vine Joy Randolph.
No. 1 New York Times bestseller
Waterstones Children's Book Prize-winning author
The highly anticipated second novel from one of the literary voices of a generation.
Sixteen-year-old Bri wants to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. As the daughter of an underground hip hop legend who died right before he hit big, Bri’s got massive shoes to fill. But when her first song goes viral for all the wrong reasons, Bri finds herself at the centre of controversy and portrayed by the media as more menace than MC. And with an eviction notice staring her family down, Bri no longer just wants 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.
Plus, don't miss Concrete Rose, Angie Thomas's powerful prequel to her phenomenal bestseller, The Hate U Give!
PRAISE FOR ON THE COME UP
“Pure magic.” The Observer
“For all the struggle in this book, Thomas rarely misses a step as a writer. Thomas continues to hold up that mirror with grace and confidence. We are lucky to have her, and lucky to know a girl like Bri.” The New York Times
“A complicated, imperfect heroine who lives and breathes her truth on every page.” Entertainment Weekly
“An immensely endearing main character. It’s likely to assure Thomas’s continued and well-deserved dominance on the best-seller lists.” Vox
“Utterly compelling from first to last.” USA Today
“This book beckons young readers and music lovers alike with an homage to the forefathers of hip-hop that also assures the feminine voice is never dismissed from the cypher.” Washington Post
“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)
“With sharp, even piercing, characterization, this indelible and intricate story of a young girl who is brilliant and sometimes reckless, who is deeply loved and rightfully angry at a world that reduces her to less than her big dreams call her to be, provides many pathways for readers.” Horn Book (starred review)
“On the Come Up is earnest and warm-hearted, a careful examination of social issues that’s built around an immensely endearing main character. It’s likely to assure Thomas’s continued and well-deserved dominance on the bestseller lists.” Vox
Creators
Angie Thomas is the author of three hugely critically acclaimed and bestselling novels: The Hate U Give, On the Come Up and Concrete Rose. Her debut novel, The Hate U Give, was adapted into an award-winning major motion picture by Fox 2000 and Temple Hill Entertainment and stars Amandla Stenberg (The Hunger Games). Angie was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. A former teen rapper, she is the recipient of a Walter Dean Myers Grant, awarded by the We Need Diverse Books campaign. You can find her on Twitter: @acthomasbooks or visit her website, angiethomas.com.
Reviews
I found it to be an engrossing story and I came away with a new appreciation of the complexity of improvised rap poetry.
ReadPlus
The relationships between all these characters (notably Aunt Pooh and Bri, and Trey and Bri) are a joy to read, not because they are always perfect, but because they feel real
A Cosy Reader
It is legitimately illuminating. Like this story, which entreats teens to fight for their dreams and keep looking skyward. Punchy, inelegant, real, this story is dope. (Read it for yourself to understand why).
Kids Book Review
The rap lyrics featured provide insight into Bri’s thoughts and feelings and give the writing style an irrepressible energy, rhythm and flow. It’s a joy to read.
WH Smith
Read this book if you enjoy gripping, real YA. It’s a story that needs to be heard, from a part of America that is ignored and disempowered on a daily basis.
Booksellers NZ
Honestly, for all the heavy issues and difficulties in this book I found it a completely heartwarming and charming read. Bri is an amazing protagonist and I loved spending time with her
Bookish Bron
While the book is well written throughout, fast paced and carefully plotted, Thomas deserves a special mention, perhaps even an Oscar for her splendid dialogue. She uses the cadences and argot of the ‘hood’ with stunning and often humourous effect.
CBCA: Reading Time Blog
In a gripping story with characters you can utterly empathise with, On the Come Up is, quite simply, a must-read. For ages 13+.
Readings
Powerful stuff.
Bobs Book Blog
On The Come Up is eye-opening, captivating, and brilliant and needs to be on everyone’s bookcases
Blue Fairy Tales
another great novel by Angie Thomas… a wonderful reading experience
BexnBookx
3.75 / 5… On the Come Up is brilliantly written… this book opened my eyes a bit to some of the harsh realities of the world that I don’t normally see… I really enjoyed this book and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read it.If this isn’t currently on your to read list I recommend adding it!
Claire Eva Reads
4/5. On the Come Up is a Young Adult book about race and equality, about following your dreams, standing up for what’s right, remember who your family are. It’s about friendship and love and loss and hate. And it’s about time you read it.
This Splendid Shambles
On the Come Up… is another fantastic, engaging and thought-provoking story, told with skill, intelligence and flair… It’s a joy to read.
WHSmith
WOW. I don’t know how it’s possible for me to love On the Come Up even more than her PERFECT FIRST BOOK BABY, BUT I DID. IT WAS FREAKING PHENOMENAL.
Written Word Worlds
5 stars… The storyline was so great I didn’t want to put it down, I can so see this being an excellent movie!
SoFilly
This is a confronting novel which is not to everyone’s taste, but I think is worth the effort.
Glam Adelaide
Recommended… a fast paced but still emotional impactful read. If you enjoy realistic characters and an action packed plot this is the book for you!
Readplus
I really enjoyed this one… 4 stars
Happy Indulgence
The characters are utterly flawed, and totally believable — people who make mistakes, get angry, disagree and love each other unconditionally… Technically, it’s a young adult novel, but it’s a book this grown woman loved.
ABC
another engaging and thoughtful YA novel giving insight into the problems with systemic and institutionalised racism in America … I found it utterly compelling
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