Dickens & Rumi
Cover of ON THE COME UP

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ON THE COME UP

Angie Thomas

Bri strives to become a hip-hop star despite numerous obstacles. (Ages 14 to 17)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? YA themes include a parent’s murder, addiction and drug dealing, grief, poverty, racism, criminal activity, strong language, and emotionally intense conflict; romance and sexual content are limited. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Alcohol or drugs3/5
  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Diverse representation4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

General brand references for context; no aggressive product promotion.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Bri’s father was murdered before the story begins, and his death shapes her identity, family history, grief, and ambitions.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

References to past shootings and the realities of gang life, but not gratuitous or detailed descriptions.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Contains frequent use of profanity consistent with the street-smart, realistic setting.

LGBTQIA characters2/5
Why this rating?

Aunt Pooh has a girlfriend, Lena; their relationship is visible in the family and community but is not the main plot.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal religious references; not a central theme.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Features age-appropriate crushes and dating, but it is secondary to the plot.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Tense situations involving poverty and gang pressure create a stressful atmosphere.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Brief mentions of relationships; no explicit sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs3/5
Why this rating?

A mother’s past drug addiction and an aunt’s drug dealing are significant plot elements; recovery and family consequences are emphasized.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes threats of violence, gang-related activity, and the lingering impact of past gun violence.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Bri shows courage in standing up to public backlash and staying true to herself.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Rapping, songwriting, performance, artistic identity, and the struggle to express personal truth are central to Bri’s story.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse cast with nuanced portrayals of race, socio-economic background, and identity.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Explores social issues, the mechanics of the music industry, and socio-economic challenges.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Family members and friends provide meaningful support, loyalty, and care despite conflict, hardship, and imperfect choices.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

It explores resisting stereotypes, finding one’s voice, handling public consequences, protecting family, and pursuing goals without surrendering personal integrity.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Characters struggle with complex choices, providing realistic and relatable role models.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How were alcohol or drugs portrayed, and what consequences did the story show?
  3. Which choice in ON THE COME UP would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in ON THE COME UP, and what caused that change?
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