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
