96 pages • 3 hours read
Angie ThomasConcrete Rose
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2021A 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.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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 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.
RecommendedReading Age
15-18yearsLexile Level
HL500LBook Details
Historical Fiction
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Realistic Fiction
Race / Racism
Social Justice
Addiction / Substance Abuse
Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice
Identity: Race
Society: Immigration