Concrete Rose (novel)

Concrete Rose is a young adult novel by Angie Thomas, published January 12, 2021 by Balzer + Bray.

This article is about young adult novel by Angie Thomas. For the studio album by Ashanti, see Concrete Rose.
Concrete Rose
AuthorAngie Thomas
CountryUnited States
PublishedJanuary 12, 2021
PublisherBalzer + Bray
Pages368
ISBN9780062846716
Followed byThe Hate U Give 

Reception

Concrete Rose was a New York Times and IndieBound best seller.[1] The book was generally well-received, including starred reviews from Booklist,[2] Kirkus Reviews,[1] School Library Journal,[3] and Shelf Awareness.[4]

TIME's Cleyvis Natera stated, "Thomas’ genius is her ability to craft one man's history in a way that illuminates the forces that brought us to this critical juncture."[5] Nic Stone of The Washington Post echoed the sentiment, saying,

[O]ne of my favorite things about Angie Thomas is that she’s always willing to dig a little deeper, to peel back another layer. This is what makes her latest novel, Concrete Rose — her best, in my opinion — a gift. It not only eviscerates the 'fast Black girl' stereotype and debunks the myth of the Bailing Black Baby Daddy, it gives us insight into the life of a boy most people wouldn’t even attempt to look at beyond the surface.[6]

The audiobook, narrated by Dion Graham, also received a positive review from Booklist, who said,

Graham is a natural and convincing storyteller. Graham’s solo narration showcases a keen ability to embody both the innocent and the often-troubled side of Maverick. Graham’s voice also adapts well to fast-moving scenes, acquainting listeners to the edginess of street life as well as the unrelenting wisdom of a community that continues to grow amid adversity.[7]

Kirkus Reviews named Concrete Rose was named one of the best books of 2021.[1]

Awards and honors for Concrete Rose
Year Award/Honor Result Ref.
2022 Michael L. Printz Award Honor [8]
2021 Goodreads Choice Award for Young Adult Fiction Nominee [9]

Inspiration

Thomas was inspired to write the book due to readers' interest of Maverick as a dad in her novel The Hate U Give.

“So many kids would tell me Maverick is the best dad they’ve seen; they wish their dad was like him. We know he was once in a gang and did drugs — and for some people, that doesn’t line up with the father and the man we see. I started to think about the character on a deeper level. Having conversations with Russell Hornsby, who played Maverick in the movie, really sparked the flame.”[10]

References
  1. "Concrete Rose". Kirkus Reviews. 2020-11-09. Retrieved 2022-02-01.
  2. Davenport, Enishia (2021-01-01). "Concrete Rose". Booklist. Retrieved 2022-02-01.
  3. Thomas, Desiree (2020-12-01). "Concrete Rose". School Library Journal. Retrieved 2022-02-01.
  4. Kenner, Kharissa (2021-01-26). "Concrete Rose". Shelf Awareness. Retrieved 2022-02-01.
  5. Natera, Cleyvis. "Angie Thomas' New Prequel to 'The Hate U Give' Challenges the Cult of Masculinity". Time. Retrieved 2022-02-01.
  6. "Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas book review". The Washington Post. 2021-01-21. Retrieved 2022-02-01.
  7. Jamison, Andrea (2021-03-15). "Concrete Rose". Booklist. Retrieved 2022-02-01.
  8. Morales, Macey (2022-01-24). "American Library Association announces 2022 Youth Media Award winners". American Library Association. Retrieved 2022-02-01.
  9. "Concrete Rose". Goodreads. Retrieved 2022-02-01.
  10. Egan, Elisabeth (2021-01-28). "Books Are Back in the White House — And One of Them Is by Angie Thomas". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-03-05.
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