Many people know Angie Thomas as the author of the powerful, award-winning novel, The Hate U Give, adapted into a movie starring Amandla Stenberg. But she has written several fantastic novels in addition to this one. If you love her books, check out these interesting facts about the author and her novels.
Trigger Warning: Most of the books mentioned contain topics of racism, police brutality, and gun and gang violence. Please exercise personal care when reading.
Rapper Tupac Shakur Inspired the Title for The Hate U Give
The unique title of the NYT Bestselling novel was inspired by Thomas’s love of rapper Tupac and his messages. The title is half of a quote said by Tupac, “The hate you (u) give little infants f****s everybody.” The first letter of every word spells out “T.H.U.G. L.I.F.E.” Angie chose this quote because of its message about impoverished neighborhoods.
The Hate U Give centers around the character of 16-year-old Starr Carter, who lives a life in two worlds: her poor neighborhood and her rich prep school. When Starr witnesses her childhood best friend, Khalil, die — unarmed — at the hands of a cop, her worlds are shattered. His death makes national news as protesters take to the streets, while others call him a thug and a drug dealer. Everyone wants to know the truth about his death, but Starr has to be careful what she says in order not to endanger her life and her community.
Angie Thomas Was a Teen Rapper
In her 2019 novel On the Come Up, the protagonist is a 16-year-old girl named Bri who wants to be a rapper. Thomas’s love of hip-hop inspired this novel, but also her youth when she was a teen rapper known under the stage name of “Young Short-A.” Angie states that she was never signed to any record deals, but did have an article written about her.
In On the Come Up, life is difficult for 16-year-old aspiring rapper Bri as she’s labeled a hoodlum at school, while at home, her family is barely making ends meet. She puts her anger and frustration into her first song, but it goes viral for the wrong reasons. With the media putting unfair labels on her and an eviction notice on the door, Bri will have to choose whether or not to become what the media labels her — for her family’s sake.
She Published Her First-Ever Fantasy Book in 2023
While Angie Thomas is known for her impactful, young adult novels, she published her first-ever fantasy novel in 2023. The novel is also geared towards middle-grade audiences and landed on the NYT Bestsellers’ List.
In Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy, Nic Blake wants to be a Manifestor like her dad. But before she can convince him to teach her, her dad is imprisoned for a crime she doesn’t want to believe he committed. Nic and her two friends are sent on a hunt for a powerful magic tool that will hopefully save her father.
She Co-Wrote a Novel With Multiple Famous Authors
Back in 2021, Thomas collaborated with authors Tiffany D. Jackson (Monday’s Not Coming), Nicola Yoon (Everything, Everything), Dhonielle Clayton (The Belles series), Nic Stone (Dear Martin), and Ashley Woodfolk (The Beauty That Remains) for the novel Blackout. In Blackout, a summer heatwave cuts the power to New York City. But with the city in a standstill, friendships form, new and old romances spark, and possibilities arise.
In 2022, the authors released Whiteout, a standalone novel with similar themes to Blackout. During a snowstorm in Atlanta, twelve teens must help their friend make the most epic apology of her life.
Thomas’s Novel Concrete Rose Was Inspired by the Fans
The official prequel to The Hate U Give, set 17 years before, was inspired by the fans. Fans loved the character of Starr’s father, Maverick Carter, in The Hate U Give and wanted to know more about his story. Thus, Concrete Rose was born, the title taken from a Tupac poem, The Rose That Grew From Concrete.
In Concrete Rose, 17-year-old Maverick Carter knows that family is important. The son of a former gang legend, Maverick deals for the King Lords to help his mom. Although he doesn’t love his life as a dealer, he has good friends and a great girlfriend. But his whole world changes when he finds out he has a son, Seven. Suddenly, he has to think about his son’s future, so when he’s offered a way out of drug dealing, he takes it. But it’s not easy to walk away from the King Lords, especially after the murder of a loved one, and Maverick’s loyalty is tested as he figures out how to be a man.
We hope you enjoyed these facts about Angie Thomas and her novels! Did you find your next Angie Thomas read?
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