Picture a Mississippi storyteller who turned her passion for hip-hop and social justice into a literary sensation—meet Angie Thomas! Born and raised in Jackson, this former teen rapper became a bestselling young adult author, captivating readers with her unflinching take on race, identity, and activism. Her debut novel, The Hate U Give, inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, skyrocketed to fame, sparking conversations worldwide.
Thomas’s stories aren’t just books—they’re mirrors for young readers, reflecting their realities, and windows for others to understand lives unlike their own. With a voice that’s raw, relatable, and infused with Southern charm, she’s redefined young adult literature. Let’s dive into her journey, from a kid dodging gunfire to a literary trailblazer.
The Making of Angie Thomas
Angie Thomas was born on September 20, 1988, in Jackson, Mississippi, in the predominantly Black Georgetown neighborhood. Growing up, she faced the harsh realities of poverty and gun violence—her mother heard the shot that killed civil rights icon Medgar Evers, and at six, Thomas witnessed a shootout. Yet, her mother’s wisdom shone through, taking young Angie to the library to show her a world beyond the chaos, sparking a lifelong love for stories. As a teen, Thomas channeled her creativity into rapping, even landing a feature in Right On! magazine as Young Short-A. She later pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at Belhaven University, becoming the first Black teenager to graduate from the program.
Angie Thomas’s Unforgettable Stories
Thomas’s writing is a vibrant blend of authenticity, heart, and activism, rooted in her Jackson upbringing. Her debut, The Hate U Give (2017), follows Starr Carter, a Black teen navigating life between her poor neighborhood and a wealthy, mostly white school. When Starr witnesses a police officer kill her unarmed friend Khalil, she finds her voice as an activist. Inspired by the 2009 shooting of Oscar Grant and the Black Lives Matter movement, the novel debuted at number one on The New York Times bestseller list and became a critically acclaimed film starring Amandla Stenberg.
Her second novel, On the Come Up (2019), dives into the life of Bri, a teen rapper chasing stardom while facing racial profiling and economic hardship. Set in the same fictional Garden Heights as The Hate U Give, it explores the cost of speaking out. Concrete Rose (2021), a prequel, traces the coming-of-age of Starr’s father, Maverick, offering a tender look at Black masculinity. In 2023, Thomas ventured into fantasy with Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy, a middle-grade novel weaving Black folklore into a magical adventure. Each work pulses with Thomas’s signature style: vivid characters, sharp dialogue, and unflinching social commentary.
Why Angie Thomas Matters
Angie Thomas has transformed young adult literature by centering Black voices and tackling systemic racism with nuance and empathy. Her books, translated into over 20 languages, have inspired a generation to confront injustice and embrace their identities. Awards like the William C. Morris Award and a Walter Dean Myers Grant underscore her impact, while her scholarship at Belhaven University supports aspiring writers. By amplifying marginalized stories, Thomas continues the legacy of literary giants like James Baldwin, making her a vital voice in contemporary literature.
- About Angie Thomas
- Born: September 20, 1988, in Jackson, Mississippi
- Key Works: The Hate U Give, On the Come Up, Concrete Rose, Nic Blake and the Remarkables
- Awards: William C. Morris Award (2018), Walter Dean Myers Grant (2015)
- Fun Fact: She wrote The Hate U Give while working as a bishop’s secretary in a Mississippi megachurch!
Ready to dive into Angie Thomas’s world? Grab The Hate U Give and experience her powerful, heartfelt storytelling for yourself!