On the Come Up

Throughout the novel, Bri struggles with the ways in which her artwork is perceived by the media, classmates, and even her family. What are the implications of the different phases of their reactions, and what different emotions does she experience as the conflict progresses? Consider these points as you reflect on the text to answer the question.

• What do the lyrics of Bri’s song mean to Bri?
• What tone and message does Bri intend to convey in the rap?
• What tone do others hear in the rap? What messages do they infer?
• How does Bri react when people close to her (such as Aunt Pooh or Malik) react negatively to her song?

Teaching Suggestion: Students should aim to connect or reference the themes Finding One’s Own Voice and The Power of Words as they discuss the questions. Students might consider using real-world examples of voice in songs or poetry to support their discussion of Bri’s experiences; outside examples may help students understand the text more deeply. An extended discussion question might be provided to those who would benefit from an alternative or additional prompt: To what extent can an artist control how their art is understood?