It’s that time of the year when you just want to snuggle up and read a good book. We suggest one by popular YA author Angie Thomas. Here are three books of hers you need to read expeditiously!
The Hate U Give
Angie Thomas hit the novel scene with a bang when she released her 2017 hit book, The Hate U Give. Within a week of its release, the book went number one on the New York Times Best Seller list for hardcover books. It remains one of Thomas’ most popular pieces, making her a well-known name in the YA world. The book was also adapted into a feature film that made over thirty million dollars at the box office.
The Hate U Give is a coming-of-age story about a black teen named Starr Carter from a lower-income, black neighborhood. She reels from the loss of her childhood friend Khalil after police officers profile and brutally murder him during a traffic stop. Ultimately, Starr has to learn to process her grief while navigating two conflicting worlds: her white prep school, and her black neighborhood. Starr must fight to find her voice, rise above the chaos, and speak for those who can no longer use theirs.
Thomas delivers a strikingly raw story that will leave you wanting more. No matter your race, class, or age, The Hate U Give offers valuable lessons for everyone. And it will stick with you far after you are done reading.
Concrete Rose
Thomas’ 2021 book Concrete Rose is a prequel to The Hate U Give. It follows seventeen-year-old Maverick Carter, Starr’s father, as he struggles to balance being a young father while dealing drugs and having ties to the notorious gang The King Lords. Maverick ultimately has to determine what kind of man he will be for himself and his family.
Concrete Rose similarly made the New York Times Best Seller list—and for good reason. Angie Thomas masterfully captures the ebb and flow of pubescent life while providing needed commentary on the stress of societal pressures and expectations.
Not to mention, the cover art is fire!
On The Come Up
This last book is one of our favorites! On The Come Up follows sixteen-year-old rapper Bri pursuing her dream of being a legendary MC/Rapper. Bri must battle through the underground rap/Hip-Hop world, while the shadow of her father, a legendary, well-respected neighborhood rapper, looms overhead.
On The Come Up is Thomas’ second book to be crafted into a film. The 2022 feature film features rap legends like Rapsody and Method Man. Because ultimately, On The Come Up is a love letter to Hip-Hop, inspiring us to use our voices and follow our dreams.
Have you read any of Angie Thomas’ work? Let us know in the comments below, tweet us @thehoneypop, or visit our Instagram and Facebook pages!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ANGIE THOMAS:
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