On the Come Up

Angie Thomas's "On the Come Up" is a powerful and insightful young adult novel following Brianna, a sixteen-year-old aspiring rapper in Garden Heights. After her mother loses her job, Bri feels immense pressure to succeed in the hip-hop world to save her family from homelessness. The book unflinchingly explores themes of poverty, systemic prejudice, freedom of speech, and the struggle for identity, especially for young Black individuals. It's a story about finding your voice, the complexities of artistic expression, and the unwavering bonds of family and friendship, making it an excellent choice for mature teens ready for a thought-provoking read.

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.