On the Come Up

This is the story of 16-year-old Bri, an aspiring rapper, daughter of a murdered father, living in a tough American neighbourhood. At school, she’s been defined as "trouble" and her mum (a former drug addict) is struggling to pay the bills after losing her job. Life is tough and when Bri records her first rap full of anger and guns, it goes viral for all the wrong reasons. How can Bri be a success as well as really true to herself, her friends and her family?

This is Angie Thomas’s second novel, coming hot on the heels of the multi-award-winning The Hate U Give. On the Come Up is a classic in the making, an inspiring coming-of-age story that gets right to the heart of what it means to overcome life’s obstacles and the struggle not to become what everyone expects you to be.

This is a really exciting, thought-provoking and brilliantly written story that will be enjoyed by teenagers from all backgrounds.

Note: There is strong language and some sexual references, though it is completely within context and appropriate for the nature of the book.