Concrete Rose
Thomas,
Angie. 2021. Concrete Rose. New York, NY: Balzer + Bray. ISBN: 9780062846716
2. PLOT
SUMMARY
Maverick
is a 17-year-old boy that has been through a lot. His father is in prison, his
mother works very hard to make ends meet, and he joined a gang at a young age for
protection and because his family was in it. His world is turned upside down
when he finds out that he’s a father. He had been selling drugs, but decides to
leave it behind to try and live differently. He gets an honest job with the
help (and encouragement) of his cousin Dre. His girlfriend, Lisa, ends the
relationship when he tells her about his son, and the only makes everything
harder. Mav quickly learns that juggling school, a job, and a new son is the
most difficult thing he’s ever done. When he loses his cousin, things become near
impossible. The news of Lisa’s pregnancy drives him back into the business of drug
dealing. Only the realization that he wants to be around for his kids and the
drive to live a better life brings him out for good.
3. CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
Thomas
includes a wide range of characters and these characters are very real.
Maverick is complex. He struggles with feelings of inadequacy, fear, rejection,
loneliness, and grief. He grows throughout the course of the story from an
insecure boy that is trying to prove he is tough and make easy money to a responsible
young man that takes care of his family and focuses on what is important. Most characters
are well-developed and the decisions they make are shared within the light of
their circumstances and their humanity. Even the characters that make the worst
decisions are treated this way. Their families and friends are presented and
considered.
The
events and setting of the story share authentic experiences that give readers
an opportunity to understand a life that they may not otherwise get the opportunity
to know. Readers learn about the consequences of certain choices and how to
react to situations out of their control. Unexpected pregnancies, loss, difficult
choices, and new responsibilities are explored in a way that seems logical but
is also unexpected. Maverick lives in a neighborhood and experiences things
that are real for so many young people in the world. His story shares the truth
that each person can choose a better life and doesn’t have to just follow in
the footsteps of those around them. Thomas chooses to share the story in a way
that is authentic to the characters. Most of the language is conversational and
colloquial. The symbol of the rose is used and mentioned within the context of
a neighborhood garden. This allows the author to further emphasize the theme. The
events are often serious, but the characters bring in humor and it lightens the
load.
4. REVIEW
EXCERPTS
Starred
review in Booklist: “Maverick’s story is one that offers hope,
encouragement, and optimism, and it shows those going through difficult times
of their own that they can take control of their own destiny.”
Starred
review in Horn Book Magazine: “Mav's main motive remains consistent
throughout -- to protect and honor his loved ones. Fans of Thomas's work will not be
disappointed by this intense portrayal of this phase in the Carter family's
story.”
Starred
review in Kirkus Reviews: “Worthy prequels make readers invest as though
meeting characters for the first time; here they learn more about the intricate
hierarchies and alliances within the King Lord gang and gain deeper insight
into former ancillary characters, particularly Mav’s parents, King, and Iesha.”
Starred
review in Publishers Weekly: “Through its portrayal of loss and
upheaval, this story acts as a tender love letter to a close Black family and
community-one that isn’t without problems but is always full of love.”
Starred
review in School Library Journal: “This is the perfect example of a
narrative that straddles the beauty and pain of belonging and having the
courage to make your own choices. Maverick Carter, who is Black, is a
wonderfully complex character who will resonate with readers of all stripes.”
Michael
L. Printz Honor
5. CONNECTIONS
*Invite students to write
a letter to Maverick sharing the aspect of his story that they enjoyed or
identified with the most or with any questions that they still have after completing
the story.
*Encourage students to
write their long-term goals. Invite them to make or brainstorm ideas about how
to bring these goals to life.
*Other books written by
Angie Thomas:
Thomas, Angie. The
hate u give. ISBN: 9780062498533
Thomas, Angie. Whiteout:
A novel. ISBN: 9780063088146
Thomas, Angie. On the
come up. ISBN: 9780062498564
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