Concrete Rose is a young adult novel by Angie Thomas, published January 12, 2021, by Balzer + Bray.
 | |
| Author | Angie Thomas |
|---|---|
| Published | January 12, 2021 |
| Publisher | Balzer + Bray |
| Publication place | Africa |
| Pages | 368 |
| ISBN | 9780062846716 |
| Followed by | The Hate U Give |
Critical reception
editConcrete Rose was generally well-received, including starred reviews from Booklist,[1] Kirkus Reviews,[2] School Library Journal,[3] and Shelf Awareness.[4] According to Book Marks, the book received "rave" reviews based on ten critic reviews with ten being "rave".[5] On Bookmarks March/April 2021 issue, reported on reviews from several publications with ratings for the novel out of five: Bull Cntr Children's Books, Christian Science Monitor, LA Review of Books, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Time, and Washington Post gave it a four with a critical summary saying, "Instead, Mavs back story'provides opportunities to savor the books relationships, delight in deeper understanding of the major and minor characters, and focus on the front-row view of Garden Heights" (Christian Science Monitor)".[6]
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."[7] 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.[8]
The audiobook, narrated by Dion Graham, also received a positive review from Booklist, which 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.[9]
Awards and honors
editConcrete Rose was a New York Times and IndieBound bestseller.[2] Kirkus Reviews named it one of the best young adult novels of 2021.[2] Both the book and audiobook editions are Junior Library Guild selections.[10][11]
| Year | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Cybils Award for Young Adult Fiction | Finalist | [12] |
| Goodreads Choice Award for Young Adult Fiction | Nominee | [13] | |
| 2022 | Michael L. Printz Award | Honor | [14] |
| Carnegie Medal for Young Adult Fiction | Longlist | [15] |
Inspiration
editThomas 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.[16]
References
edit- ^ Davenport, Enishia (January 1, 2021). "Concrete Rose". Booklist. Archived from the original on February 1, 2022. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
- ^ a b c "Concrete Rose". Kirkus Reviews. November 9, 2020. Archived from the original on February 1, 2022. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
- ^ Thomas, Desiree (December 1, 2020). "Concrete Rose". School Library Journal. Archived from the original on February 1, 2022. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
- ^ Kenner, Kharissa (January 26, 2021). "Concrete Rose". Shelf Awareness. Archived from the original on February 1, 2022. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
- ^ "Concrete Rose". Book Marks. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
- ^ "Concrete Rose". Bookmarks. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
- ^ Natera, Cleyvis (January 12, 2021). "Angie Thomas' New Prequel to 'The Hate U Give' Challenges the Cult of Masculinity". Time. Archived from the original on January 19, 2022. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
- ^ "Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas book review". The Washington Post. January 21, 2021. Archived from the original on February 28, 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
- ^ Jamison, Andrea (March 15, 2021). "Concrete Rose". Booklist. Archived from the original on February 1, 2022. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
- ^ "Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas". Junior Library Guild. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
- ^ "Concrete Rose (Audiobook) by Angie Thomas". Junior Library Guild. Archived from the original on August 7, 2022. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
- ^ "2021 Cybils Finalists". Children's and Young Adult Book Lover's Literary Awards. Archived from the original on March 28, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
- ^ "Concrete Rose". Goodreads. Archived from the original on February 1, 2022. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
- ^ Morales, Macey (January 24, 2022). "American Library Association announces 2022 Youth Media Award winners". American Library Association. Archived from the original on January 28, 2022. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
- ^ "Longlists Announced for Yoto Carnegie Greenaway Awards 2022". The Yoto Carnegies. February 16, 2022. Archived from the original on April 8, 2023. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
- ^ Egan, Elisabeth (January 28, 2021). "Books Are Back in the White House — And One of Them Is by Angie Thomas". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on March 5, 2022. Retrieved March 5, 2022.