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Concrete Rose

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

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Angie Thomas

Concrete Rose

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Garden Heights • 1990s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

Lexile Level

HL500L

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Super Short Summary

Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas is a prequel to The Hate U Give, following 17-year-old Maverick "Mav" Carter of Garden Heights as he navigates fatherhood, gang life, and poverty after discovering he has a baby son. Mav works towards leaving the dangerous lifestyle and securing a future for his family while contemplating leaving the King Lords gang. Gang violence and drug dealing are depicted.

Gritty

Emotional

Challenging

Inspirational

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.6

66,392 ratings

90%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

1%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas is widely praised for its authentic portrayal of Maverick Carter's coming-of-age story in a gritty, heartfelt narrative. Reviewers appreciate its raw language and emotional depth, though some note that its pace can be uneven. The novel's strong thematic focus on responsibility and family resonates deeply, despite minor plot predictability.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Concrete Rose?

Readers who would enjoy Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas are typically young adults who appreciate contemporary, realistic fiction exploring themes of identity, family, and personal growth. Comparable to fans of The Hate U Give and Long Way Down, they value stories with powerful social messages and relatable, diverse characters.

4.6

66,392 ratings

90%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

1%

Not a fan

Character List

Maverick “Mav” Carter

A 17-year-old living in Garden Heights, navigating life while tied to a gang legacy and facing the challenges of young fatherhood. He seeks a path to a better future for himself and his family.

Mav’s bright and ambitious long-term girlfriend from the Garden who dreams of becoming a pediatrician. She faces the complexities of her relationship with Mav amid personal and external challenges.

Mav’s older cousin and confidant who has stepped back from gang life to focus on his daughter. He supports Mav through his transition into fatherhood.

Mav’s next-door neighbor and employer, who constantly encourages him to grow beyond his current circumstances. He serves as a mentor figure in Mav’s journey towards self-improvement.

Mav’s father, a respected gang leader now in prison, who offers guidance despite his incarceration. He and Mav have a complex relationship affected by emotional and familial challenges.

Mav’s mother, who works hard to provide for him after his father’s incarceration. She supports Mav while pushing for his eventual departure from gang life.

Mav’s best friend and fellow gang member, heavily involved in the drug trade. His relationship with Mav is tested by personal conflicts and differing life paths.

Mav and Iesha’s infant son, initially named King Jr. but later renamed Seven. He is a source of love and motivation for Mav.

Seven’s mother, who is struggling with mental health issues post-birth, leading to complications in her relationship with Mav and their son.

The leader of the King Lords and a friend of Dre, who looks out for younger gang members like Mav. His presence is significant in maintaining order within the gang.

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Garden Heights • 1990s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

Lexile Level

HL500L

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