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4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
I enjoyed this book even though at times I found Brianna to be annoying. She was talented and quick with her words, but that also worked against her at times. I liked how her family unit played a big role. Her brother was smart, observant, and loyal to the family. I really liked her mom Jay. Jay was sober from a previous drug problem. She was smart, quick, and fierce. I liked how she tried to remind Brianna that she shouldn't have to worry about the bills and all of that. Jay would tell her that she only has this one time to be a kid and that she should enjoy it. I thought that was a really good argument and have a lot of respect for her. She did what she had to do for her family and that is admirable. Her aunt pooh added a comedic element to the story but her arrest at the end kind of confused me. But I guess it was to point out that crime and drugs was not the path we want to choose. Brianna sort of finds her voice after she is assaulted by an officer at school. She argues with her friends about releasing her video and I think she gave compelling reasons as to why she didn't want the video out. She would be subjecting herself to scrutiny and danger doing so and I thought it was brave of her to not put herself through more trauma. I liked Sonny and Malik and how the story was able to explore homophobia through sonny's relationship and through her aunt pooh. The book also explored autonomy and feeling heard. Bri feels silenced in most of her relationships and situations and music gave her an outlet to speak honestly and bravely in ways she wouldn't have otherwise. I think the ending solidified that and allowed her to follow her passion and dreams in a way that did not silence her. The story elements of the stolen chain and aunt pooh going silent for a couple days could have been taken out. I don't think they really did anything for me and they didn't really go anywhere.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
On The Come Up features Bri, a young rapper who wants to make it big, without getting shot like her father, who was a rapper as well. This book addresses how it feels to be labeled and expected to be a certain way. It talks about gangs, poverty, and drugs. Bri’s anger propels her forward as she strives to move past what the world expects from her as a young Black girl in America.
