Sometimes, you come across a book that you just love so much that you want to read everything else that the author has written! That’s how many young adults feel about Angie Thomas’ books.
The American author reportedly started her writing journey as young as age 4, by rewriting books by the famous Dr. Seuss! Now, she intends her storytelling to serve as mirrors, sliding glass doors, or windows for her readers. At the time of this writing, she has written a total of five books, but they have quickly skyrocketed to the New York Times bestselling lists.
What kind of books does Angie Thomas write?
Angie writes mainly young adult fiction, with a reading level for 14 years old and above. She is especially attractive to teenagers because she writes in a style that includes slang and lingo that teenagers use. Her first-person narrative also comes across with an autobiographical feel, making her readers quickly identify with the protagonist.
Her debut novel, The Hate U Give, has been adapted into a major motion picture starring Amandla Stenberg. This fictionalized account of the Black Lives Matter movement will surely give you a lot to chew on, thanks to the memorable characters and the real battles that they face.
Her second novel entitled On the Come Up has also been adapted into film, with Angie herself as a producer. Perhaps this is also because the protagonist in this book is reminiscent of Angie herself, who was also a rapper when she was younger.
Her books are a clear example of somebody writing about what you know. Fortunately, she offers us this clear glimpse into the lives of African-Americans and the struggles they face everyday.
5 Bestselling Books by Angie Thomas to Read Today
Check out these summaries of Angie Thomas’ books to see which one you’d like to start on first:
1. The Hate U Give
This first novel follows the tragic events that follow when Starr Carter, who attends a private school away from gang strife, rides home with her childhood friend Khalil. When a police stops them for what seems to be a routine check, the cop shoots Khalil dead. Starr then has to go through countless legal battles and race riots, all while dealing with survivor’s guilt.
2. On the Come Up
16-year-old Brianna Jackson dreams of becoming a big rapper. But when she starts to get noticed in the local music scene, she attracts the attention of the gang that they suspect to have killed her father. Meanwhile, she also gets suspected of being connected with activists. But with her mother out of a job and an eviction looming near, she has to do whatever it takes to make it big.
3. Concrete Rose
This prequel to The Hate U Give takes us into the life of the first book’s protagonist’s father, Maverick Carter and his experiences in the neighborhood gang called the King Lords. The 17-year-old Mav and his hot-tempered best friend, King, have started dealing with harder drugs behind their gang leaders’ backs. But what happens when Mav finds that King’s off-and-on girlfriend is pregnant, and he’s the father?
4. Blackout
In this collaborative work, the authors explore the love story between six couples as a heatwave covers New York City in darkness. Apparently, a blackout is the perfect setting for revealing hidden truths, causing love to blossom, friendships to transform, and possibilities to soar high and strong.
5. Find Your Voice: A Guided Journal for Writing Your Truth
Angie Thomas doesn’t just write novels; she also desires to set other writers free to find their voice!
In this nonfiction work, bestselling author Angie Thomas guides you through a journal format to help you develop writing projects that are true to who you are. It includes step-by-step tips, exercises and writing prompts to help you find story ideas, create memorable characters, and finally writing your story. This ties in with her goal of helping other fellow writers release the story within them for the whole world to read and learn from.
Reading Angie Thomas Books
Even with a short book list, Angie Thomas’ books aren’t anything you can take lightly. Pick one or two from the list, and prepare for a heart-wrenching journey of seeing how the black community lives day to day.
Consider also gifting a copy to a friend or two. Hopefully, after reading through at least one of her books, you and your friend will get a prodding that yes, Black Lives Matter.
Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
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Yen Cabag is the Blog Writer of TCK Publishing. She is also a homeschooling mom, family coach, and speaker for the Charlotte Mason method, an educational philosophy that places great emphasis on classic literature and the masterpieces in art and music. She has also written several books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her passion is to see the next generation of children become lovers of reading and learning in the midst of short attention spans.
