On the Come Up

This was a fictional story based on a relatable scenario and I really liked it because it tackled many issues that modern day audiences may face, e.g. racism and poverty. It was about a 16 year old girl called Bri who wanted to become a rapper, and due to her race she was held back. She was also in trouble often at school, to the point where she was suspended for weeks. Overall, I think this is a really good book and I would recommend it to people aged 13+ (some of the language and topics are slightly more mature)

This is not only and amazing author but also an amazing novel as well. She pushed every barrier in the novel and in the previous novel "the Hate U Give" I live by both novels and she is a very much talented author and this book is no exception. In the book Bri, a rising rapper faces discrimination, neglect, gang action, drug dealing, and just some extremely sticky situations. She prevails all and is an amazing person and teaches readers a lot.

Loved On The Come Up but perhaps not just as much as Angie Thomas's debut The Hate You Give. I am not a a huge fan of rap music but this book really made me appreciate the skill and talent required to be a rapper. Like a poet on steroids! A lot of rap stars come from very poor backgrounds and a record deal is a way out for them and their families. This was exactly the case for the character Bri and it was great to see her put her life into a rap.

Not a good as The hate you give, but still set in Garden Heights with a background of BLM.

I absolutely loved this book so much because Brianna never gave up on her dreams and always kept fighting. I would recommend this book to anyone over the age of 13 because it is a bit inappropriate.

Educational doesn't have to mean boring! The characters were realistic and definitely not two dimensional. The storyline was captivating and very hard to put down. I would recommend it to my students but perhaps, because of the language not as a class reader.

I preferred The Hate U Give!

A fiction book with real life issues such as gangs, racism etc . The main character, Bri, narrated the story well. However, there was a lot of swear words which put me off.

This book is for older children (15 and above)

Thought provoking.

We were asked to read this book as part of the Radio Two Book Club. Here are some of the words our members used to describe it. Fascinating, dramatic, balanced, full of energy, fiesta, passionate, witty, poetic, dark. Although aimed at young adults and our members knew very little about rap or hip hop everyone agreed it was a worthwhile read, a glimpse of a real life that lies behind the headlines that opened up many topics of discussion for the group.

Wow - I loved this book. So powerful, but also so fun and enjoyable. I defy you not to be trying to sing along as Bri raps the house down. Dare I say even better than The Hate U Give?