On the Come Up
by Angie Thomas
On the Come Up is a powerful and unflinching look at the life of sixteen-year-old Bri, an aspiring rapper who dreams of making it big to help her family survive. As the daughter of an underground hip-hop legend who died before his big break, Bri faces immense pressure to succeed. However, when she is unfairly labeled a hoodlum at school and her mother loses her job, Bri pours her frustration into a song that goes viral for all the wrong reasons. Suddenly, she is at the center of a media firestorm, portrayed as a menace rather than an artist.
This New York Times bestseller is perfect for teens who love hip-hop culture and stories about finding one's voice in a world that tries to silence you. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in social justice, complex family dynamics, and the realities of urban poverty. Angie Thomas delivers a story that is both heartbreaking and hopeful, making it a great choice for fans of The Hate U Give who want to return to the world of Garden Heights.
Highlights:
- A deep dive into hip-hop culture and the power of lyrical expression.
- A realistic portrayal of a teen girl navigating systemic racism and poverty.
- Compelling family relationships and a strong, relatable protagonist.
- Explores the complexities of viral fame and media representation.