Book Review of Concrete Rose

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Thomas, Angie. 2021. CONCRETE ROSE. New York, NY: BALZER + BRAY, An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 9780062846716.      

PLOT SUMMARY

Maverick is an African-American teenager who finds out that he is a father from a one-time encounter with a girl in his neighborhood. Then his cousin, who is like a beloved older brother, is killed in gang violence. Next, his girlfriend tells him that she is pregnant with his baby. Ultimately, Maverick has to decide whether to break free from his gang affiliations, or not.        

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

As you read this novel, you’re immediately struck by the patois of the characters in the story. It’s written in the vernacular of the urban African-Americans living in the fictional neighborhood of Garden Heights. Once you get used to the dialogue, it draws you into the storyline of the protagonist, Maverick, and his family and friends. The “voice” of the protagonist, Maverick, reinforces the setting so much that the reader is transported to the urban neighborhood that Maverick lives in. Young readers will find the plot fast-moving and compelling. It is easy to put yourself into the life and situations that Maverick finds himself in. Although not every reader will have grown up in a similar environment, the author does such a good job of telling the story, we readers can easily relate to Maverick’s experiences and life choices. Throughout the novel there are many moments of frustration and tragedy, but the pervading sense that Maverick and his family will find a way to endure perseveres. The author leaves us wanting to know what happens to the main characters at the end of the story; and, thankfully, we do find out in the sequel, The Hate U Give. The best thing this novel, Concrete Rose, has to offer the young adult reader is realism. It feels more like a biography than fiction. It’s a very good read.     

AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERPTS

2022 Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book

KIRKUS Review: “The tale begins in 1998 Garden Heights, when Starr’s parents, Maverick and Lisa, are high school seniors in love and planning for the future...”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This prequel to Thomas’s The Hate U Give takes listeners back 17 years to the story of Maverick Carter when he was just a teenager navigating life in a gang he never really wanted to be in, becoming a father before he graduated high school, and losing people who were there to protect and guide him…”

CONNECTIONS

* This book can spark good discussions about teenage life. The concerns, temptations, and questions of all teenagers are included in this novel. Most important of all, actions and their consequences are the foundation of this story, and a perfect discussion topic for any group of young adults.   

* Books similar to this one include:

Thomas, Angie. THE HATE U GIVE. ISBN 9780062498533

Thomas, Angie. ON THE COME UP. ISBN 9780062498564

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