Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas

Description

“Concrete Rose” is a young adult novel written by Angie Thomas. It serves as a prequel to Thomas’s critically acclaimed debut novel, “The Hate U Give.” “Concrete Rose” was published in 2021 and provides readers with an earlier perspective on the events and characters in the fictional neighborhood of Garden Heights.

The novel is set in the late 1990s and follows the story of Maverick Carter, who is the father of the protagonist in “The Hate U Give,” Starr Carter. Maverick is a seventeen-year-old high school student and a member of the King Lords, a local gang. After a series of life-changing events, Maverick is forced to confront the responsibilities of fatherhood and the consequences of his choices.

As the narrative unfolds, readers witness Maverick’s struggles with gang involvement, family dynamics, personal aspirations, and the challenges of living in a community marked by poverty and systemic injustices. The novel explores themes of identity, self-discovery, resilience, and the importance of breaking cycles of violence and adversity.

Angie Thomas’s writing in “Concrete Rose” captures the complexity of Maverick’s character and the societal issues that surround him. The book offers insight into the background of a character who plays a significant role in “The Hate U Give” and provides context for the later events in Starr’s life.

Overall, “Concrete Rose” is a poignant and powerful exploration of young adulthood, family, and the choices that shape one’s life. It serves as both a standalone novel and a companion piece to “The Hate U Give,” offering readers a deeper understanding of the characters and the community at the heart of these stories.