Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. In literature, what does “world-building” mean? What do stories share if they take place in the same “world”?

Teaching Suggestion: This novel takes place in the same neighborhood as The Hate U Give and occurs about a year later. For students who have not read The Hate U Give, it may be beneficial to gain some understanding of the setting, conflicts, and situations before beginning On the Come Up. Students might use a recap, summary, or excerpt of The Hate U Give as a way to gain helpful context.

• This article discusses the different elements authors consider when building a “world” for their novel.
• This 2-minute trailer for the film version of The Hate U Give shows the setting and main conflicts of Angie Thomas’s first novel. (Content Warning: The trailer contains scenes of violence, riots, and demonstrations.)

2. How does money influence people’s choices? What is the deeper meaning behind the traditional saying “Money can’t buy happiness”?

Teaching Suggestion: Bri’s family struggles with money, and their financial circumstances influence how she sees her potential rapping career.