Description
A Printz Honor Winner Best LGBTQIA+ Books
Concrete Rose is a powerful and emotionally rich prequel to Angie Thomas’s bestselling novel The Hate U Give. Set seventeen years before the events of that book, this story centers on Maverick Carter, the father of Starr Carter, and explores his life as a teenager growing up in Garden Heights.
At just 17 years old, Maverick is trying to find his place in a world shaped by gang violence, limited opportunities, and family expectations. As the son of a former gang legend, Maverick feels pressure to uphold a tough reputation—but deep down, he wants something better. When he unexpectedly becomes a father, everything changes. Suddenly, his priorities shift, and he must learn what it truly means to be a man, to take responsibility, and to protect those he loves—even if it means walking away from everything he’s ever known.
Angie Thomas brings her trademark authenticity and powerful voice to Maverick’s story, exploring themes of fatherhood, loyalty, identity, and transformation. The writing is raw, heartfelt, and deeply human, giving readers a nuanced view of young Black men trying to break cycles of poverty and violence while finding purpose and hope.
Concrete Rose is a Printz Honor Book, widely praised for its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of inner-city life. It’s perfect for young adults and adults alike, especially those who connected with The Hate U Give. The book is available in paperback, hardcover, Kindle ebook, and audiobook formats Best LGBTQIA+ Books.
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