Book review by Aarene Storms: On the Come Up

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas 

Bri is 16, daughter of a famous (late) rapper, and she thinks she's ready to take the stage, but other stuff keeps getting in the way: her neighborhood, her school and even her family.

Less violent and intense than this author's first hard-hitting book The Hate U Give, but still full of grit and real life.

The characters are diverse without being stereotypes. 

There's room for a sequel, but the story clearly stands alone. 

Buckets of cussing, some kissing and sexual situations, some off-page drug use, some violence.

Recommended for readers ages 16 to adult.


The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS astorms@kcls.org