Set in the fictional neighborhood of Garden Heights,On the Come Upby Angie Thomas is a powerful and deeply personal novel that dives into themes of ambition, identity, systemic racism, and the transformative power of music. Following her groundbreaking debut,The Hate U Give, Thomas crafts another poignant story, this time focusing on a teenage girl named Bri who dreams of becoming a famous rapper. This coming-of-age novel is not just about chasing dreams it’s about survival, voice, and standing strong in the face of adversity. As readers follow Bri’s journey, they get a nuanced portrait of a young artist trying to rise above the labels society places on her.
Background and Setting
The Neighborhood of Garden Heights
The story is rooted in Garden Heights, the same community featured inThe Hate U Give. This urban neighborhood, with its vibrant culture and pressing socio-economic challenges, provides a realistic backdrop for Bri’s journey. Garden Heights is a place where community and struggle coexist, offering both obstacles and inspiration. The setting is central to the book’s themes, shaping how Bri views the world and how the world views her.
Social Commentary Through Fiction
Angie Thomas masterfully uses her setting to reflect real-world issues such as racial profiling, poverty, and media bias. Through Bri’s experiences, Thomas explores the systemic barriers that affect young Black individuals, especially in underprivileged neighborhoods. The novel doesn’t shy away from portraying the harsh realities many teens face, from being unfairly labeled to dealing with food insecurity and the threat of eviction.
Main Character: Brianna Jackson
A Teen with Big Dreams
Brianna, or Bri, is a sixteen-year-old high school student with aspirations of becoming one of the greatest rappers of all time. She’s the daughter of a legendary underground rapper who was murdered before achieving fame. Living in the shadow of her father’s legacy, Bri is determined to make her own mark in the music world. Her passion for rap is both a tribute to her father and a form of resistance against the stereotypes that surround her.
Complex and Relatable
What makes Bri such a compelling character is her emotional depth. She’s bold, intelligent, and creative, but also vulnerable and flawed. She battles with self-doubt, teenage rebellion, and the pressure to be someone others expect her to be. These qualities make her relatable to many readers, especially those navigating adolescence, societal expectations, and personal ambition.
The Power of Hip-Hop
Rap as a Voice of Resistance
Rap music is not just a career aspiration for Bri it’s her outlet, her voice, and her rebellion. Angie Thomas emphasizes the power of lyrics and storytelling in hip-hop, showing how it can be used to confront injustice and express raw, unfiltered emotion. Bri’s raps are not polished mainstream hits; they’re fierce, honest, and packed with emotion. Through music, she finds a way to tell her story in a world that often silences voices like hers.
Controversy and Misunderstanding
When one of Bri’s battle raps goes viral, the media and school authorities misinterpret her lyrics as promoting violence. This controversy sparks intense debates about artistic freedom, racial bias, and the difference between perception and reality. Bri is labeled a ‘hoodlum’ and a threat, which forces her to confront how quickly society is willing to stereotype young Black youth based on their appearance and expression.
Family Dynamics and Support
The Role of Bri’s Family
Bri’s journey is heavily influenced by her family. Her mother, Jay, is a recovering addict who is working hard to keep the family afloat. Her older brother, Trey, is a college graduate who put his dreams on hold to support them. Despite their challenges, Bri’s family is a source of strength and love. Their struggles add layers to the narrative, making it clear that Bri’s fight for success is not just personal it’s communal.
Strength in Vulnerability
Thomas portrays the family’s vulnerability with compassion. Jay’s past, Bri’s father’s legacy, and the family’s economic instability all contribute to the emotional stakes of the novel. These elements create a powerful emotional resonance that underlines how dreams are pursued not in isolation but with the weight of history and hardship behind them.
Friendships and Loyalty
Support Systems and Conflicts
Alongside her family, Bri is supported by her best friends, Sonny and Malik. Their friendship is a source of comfort but also tension as Bri’s rising fame begins to strain their bond. The novel explores how ambition can sometimes isolate individuals, even from those who care the most. These dynamics reflect real-life friendships, particularly during adolescence, when priorities and paths begin to diverge.
Growth and Self-Discovery
Throughout the novel, Bri learns the importance of choosing who to trust and the value of remaining true to herself. She faces temptations to conform to what others expect or want her to be. Her relationships help her grow, forcing her to examine what matters more: public image or personal integrity.
Themes and Symbolism
Finding Your Voice
One of the strongest themes inOn the Come Upis the power of voice. Bri’s story is about more than just music; it’s about reclaiming a narrative. Whether it’s through lyrics, protest, or everyday conversations, finding and using one’s voice is portrayed as an act of resistance and empowerment.
Challenging Stereotypes
Angie Thomas addresses how Black teens are often unfairly categorized. Bri’s battle with public perception how she is seen versus who she truly is drives the conflict in the story. By confronting these stereotypes head-on, the novel challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions and biases.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Acclaimed by Readers and Critics
On the Come Upreceived widespread acclaim for its honesty, depth, and timely themes. Critics praised Thomas’s ability to capture the voice of modern youth and her fearless exploration of social issues. The book has been included in numerous ‘Best of the Year’ lists and continues to be taught in schools and reading programs.
Impact on Young Readers
For young readers, especially aspiring artists,On the Come Upis an inspiring and validating read. It affirms that their stories matter, that their voices deserve to be heard, and that their dreams are worth pursuing even when the odds are stacked against them.
On the Come Upby Angie Thomas is a compelling novel that blends social commentary, emotional depth, and lyrical artistry. It captures the trials and triumphs of a young girl fighting to define herself on her own terms. Through Bri’s journey, readers are reminded of the importance of authenticity, the strength found in vulnerability, and the enduring power of storytelling. It’s not just a book about rap it’s a novel about resilience, courage, and finding your place in a world that too often wants to write your story for you.