96 pages • 3 hours read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
304
Novel • Fiction
Garden Heights • 1990s
2021
YA
15-18 years
HL500L
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
66,392 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
66,392 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lisa Montgomery
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.
Dre
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.
Mr. Wyatt
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.
Adonis/Pops
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.
Faye/Ma
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.
King
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.
King Jr./Seven/Li’l Man
Mav and Iesha’s infant son, initially named King Jr. but later renamed Seven. He is a source of love and motivation for Mav.
Iesha
Seven’s mother, who is struggling with mental health issues post-birth, leading to complications in her relationship with Mav and their son.
Shawn
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.
304
Novel • Fiction
Garden Heights • 1990s
2021
YA
15-18 years
HL500L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.