33 Great Angie Thomas Facts

Early Life and Education

Angie Thomas, the acclaimed author of "The Hate U Give," has an inspiring background that shaped her writing career. Let's explore some fascinating facts about her early life and education.

1. Angie Thomas was born on September 20, 1988, in Jackson, Mississippi.
2. She grew up in a neighborhood called Georgetown, which was known for its high crime rate.
3. As a child, she witnessed a shootout, which later inspired her to write about social justice issues.
4. Thomas attended Belhaven University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing.
5. During her time at Belhaven, she was the only black student in her creative writing class.
6. She initially wanted to be a rapper before deciding to pursue writing.

Career Beginnings

Before becoming a bestselling author, Angie Thomas had to navigate the challenges of breaking into the literary world. Here are some key moments from her early career.

7. Thomas wrote her first novel, "The Hate U Give," as part of her senior project at Belhaven University.
8. The novel was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and the shooting of Oscar Grant.
9. She struggled to find a publisher initially, facing numerous rejections.
10. Eventually, she signed with literary agent Brooks Sherman, who helped her secure a publishing deal.
11. "The Hate U Give" was published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins, in 2017.
12. The book quickly became a New York Times bestseller, staying on the list for over 80 weeks.

Literary Achievements

Angie Thomas's work has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards. Let's delve into some of her most notable achievements.

13. "The Hate U Give" won the William C. Morris Award for a debut YA novel.
14. It also received the Coretta Scott King Award for its portrayal of African American life.
15. The novel was adapted into a major motion picture in 2018, starring Amandla Stenberg.
16. Thomas's second novel, "On the Come Up," was published in 2019 and also became a bestseller.
17. "On the Come Up" is being adapted into a film, with Thomas serving as an executive producer.
18. In 2020, she released her third book, "Concrete Rose," a prequel to "The Hate U Give."

Impact and Influence

Angie Thomas's work has had a profound impact on readers and the literary community. Here are some ways she has influenced the world.

19. Her novels have sparked important conversations about race, police brutality, and social justice.
20. Thomas has been a vocal advocate for diversity in publishing, encouraging more stories from marginalized voices.
21. She has inspired a new generation of writers to tackle difficult subjects in their work.
22. Thomas frequently speaks at schools and events, sharing her experiences and encouraging young people to read and write.
23. Her books have been translated into multiple languages, reaching readers around the globe.
24. She was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2018.

Personal Life

Beyond her professional achievements, Angie Thomas has a rich personal life that influences her writing. Let's take a closer look.

25. Thomas is a self-proclaimed "geek," with a love for comic books and video games.
26. She often incorporates her interests into her writing, adding layers of depth to her characters.
27. She is an avid fan of the Harry Potter series and cites J.K. Rowling as one of her influences.
28. Thomas lives in Jackson, Mississippi, close to her family and friends.
29. She has a pet dog named Oscar, who often makes appearances on her social media.
30. Despite her success, Thomas remains grounded and committed to giving back to her community.

Future Projects

Angie Thomas shows no signs of slowing down. Here are some exciting projects she has in the works.

31. Thomas is working on a new novel, which she describes as a "love letter to hip-hop."
32. She is also developing a television series based on her books, aiming to bring her stories to an even wider audience.
33. In addition to her writing, Thomas plans to continue her advocacy work, supporting initiatives that promote literacy and social justice.

Final Angie Thomas Facts

Angie Thomas has truly made a mark in the literary world. Her debut novel, "The Hate U Give," not only topped bestseller lists but also sparked important conversations about race and justice. Did you know she was inspired by the late rapper Tupac Shakur? His influence is evident in her work, especially in the themes she tackles. Thomas's journey from a young girl in Mississippi to a celebrated author is nothing short of inspiring. Her books have been translated into multiple languages, reaching readers worldwide. Beyond writing, she’s also an advocate for diverse voices in literature. Angie’s impact goes beyond the pages of her books, making her a significant figure in contemporary literature. If you haven't read her work yet, you're missing out on some powerful storytelling. Dive into her books and experience the world through her eyes.