ParentsPick

On the Come Up — Content Guide for Parents

By Angie ThomasWalker Books Limited2018ISBN 9781406382303304 pages
On the Come Up

Themes present

Violence
Racial/cultural content
Profanity
Sexual identity
LGBTQ+ themes

Not found

Scary contentReligious themesClimate changeGender roles

Content themes

Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.

Get the full theme breakdown in the app

Detailed evidence, confidence ratings, and source citations for every theme.

Download for iOS

Example theme card

Religious themes

PRESENT

Contains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.

About this book

When sixteen-year-old Bri, an aspiring rapper, pours her anger and frustration into her first song, she finds herself at the center of a controversy.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is On the Come Up appropriate for a 7-year-old?

    The narrative includes themes of gun violence and references to Bri's father being murdered by a gang member, highlighting the impact of violence in her community. This is a significant element of the plot. No elements of scary content or horror themes are detected in the search results related to the book.

  • Does On the Come Up have violence?

    The narrative includes themes of gun violence and references to Bri's father being murdered by a gang member, highlighting the impact of violence in her community. This is a significant element of the plot.

  • Does On the Come Up have scary content?

    No elements of scary content or horror themes are detected in the search results related to the book.

  • Does On the Come Up have religious themes?

    No religious practices, beliefs, or ceremonies are mentioned in the search results related to the book's narrative.

  • Does On the Come Up have racial/cultural content?

    The story addresses systemic racism, police brutality, and the realities faced by Black youths in America, making these themes central to the narrative. Bri's experiences and her rap lyrics reflect these issues.

  • Does On the Come Up have profanity?

    The book includes conversational swearing, with terms such as 's--t', 'f--k', and others noted in the context of the characters' dialogue, reflecting their environment and experiences.

  • Does On the Come Up have climate change?

    No climate-related themes or discussions are present in the search results pertaining to the book's narrative.

  • Does On the Come Up have sexual identity?

    The book contains references to teen romance, including a few kisses and mentions of a mother doing sex work. These elements are presented in a context that is relevant to the characters' lives.

  • Does On the Come Up have gender roles?

    No specific traditional or modern gender roles are highlighted in the search results; the focus is more on individual character development and societal issues rather than explicit gender role discussions.

  • Does On the Come Up have lgbtq+ themes?

    The book includes both gay male characters and lesbian characters, indicating a representation of LGBTQ+ identities within the narrative. This aspect is noted as part of the broader themes of the story, which explores various social issues.