Angie Thomas
Angie Thomas
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Angie Thomas is a critically acclaimed American author, known professionally as Angie Thomas.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on September 2, 1977, in Jackson, Mississippi. Currently alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American, Author, Writer, Activist
Early Life and Background
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Angie Thomas grew up in a family that valued education and encouraged her to read from an early age. She was born in Jackson, Mississippi, where she spent most of her childhood. Thomas's experiences growing up African American in the South deeply influenced her writing, particularly her novel "The Hate U Give." Her passion for reading led her to become a voracious reader, devouring books on various subjects.
Thomas's early life laid the foundation for her future writing career. She began writing stories and poetry as a child, often drawing inspiration from her surroundings and personal experiences. After high school, Thomas attended Belhaven College in Jackson but eventually moved to Mississippi State University, where she earned a degree in English.
Major Accomplishments
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Published author of several critically acclaimed young adult novels
National Book Award longlistee for "The Hate U Give"
New York Times bestseller with multiple titles
Winner of the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award (2020)
* Recipient of the 2018 ALA Michael L. Printz Award
Notable Works or Actions
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Angie Thomas's writing often explores themes of racism, police brutality, and social justice. Her debut novel, "The Hate U Give," released in 2017, became an instant bestseller and sparked important conversations about systemic racism and the Black Lives Matter movement. The book was praised for its raw, honest portrayal of life as a black teenager in America.
Thomas's subsequent novels, including "On the Come Up" (2019) and "Find Your Voice" (2020), have solidified her position as a prominent voice in young adult literature. Her writing has been recognized with numerous awards, further cementing her reputation as an author who tackles tough subjects with empathy and understanding.
Impact and Legacy
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Angie Thomas's impact on the literary world is undeniable. Her novels have resonated with readers of all ages, sparking discussions about social justice and equality. As a writer, she has provided a voice for those whose stories are often overlooked or silenced. Her work serves as a testament to her dedication to amplifying marginalized voices.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Thomas's writing is widely quoted and remembered due to its unflinching portrayal of difficult topics. Her novels have become cultural touchstones, sparking conversations about racism, police brutality, and social justice. Through her work, Thomas has created a platform for marginalized voices, inspiring readers to think critically about the world around them.
Angie Thomas's writing career is a testament to the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world we live in. As an author who tackles tough subjects with empathy and compassion, she continues to leave a lasting impact on readers and writers alike.
Quotes by Angie Thomas
Angie Thomas's insights on:
When I was a kid, if you asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, the answer was easy - the next Lisa Leslie.
I knew there were calls for diversity in children's lit, but you always wonder as a person of color, how diverse is too diverse?
A lot of people involved in the Black Lives Matter movement are actually sticking up for those other lives. They are turning out for their Muslim brothers and sisters who are now being targeted.
I wanted to write a book like a rapper would write it - I didn't want to hold back. Rappers catch a lot of slack; I'm not going to be cursing up a storm, but when I look at Nas... his first album is one of my favorites. I want to tell stories like that.
I wrote 'The Hate U Give' as a short story while I was in college at a mostly white school in conservative Mississippi.
Michael Brown - when he lost his life, there was more focus on what he had done sometimes than what was done to him.
I'm not sure I could ever write for adults. That's not to throw shade or anything, but I feel like teenagers are much more open-minded and willing to listen sometimes.
A lot of people are quick to say that saying 'black lives matter' makes you anti-cop. All lives should indeed matter, but we have a systemic problem in this country in which black lives do not matter enough.
