Concrete Rose
The Hate U Give Series
What’s inside...
International phenomenon Angie Thomas revisits Garden Heights seventeen years before the events of The Hate U Give in this searing and poignant exploration of Black boyhood and manhood. If there’s one thing seventeen-year-old Maverick Carter knows, it’s that a real man takes care of his family. As the son of a former gang legend, Mav does that the only way he knows how: dealing for the King Lords. With this money he can help his mom, who works two jobs while his dad’s in prison. Life’s not perfect, but with a fly girlfriend and a cousin who always has his back, Mav’s got everything under control. Until, that is, Maverick finds out he’s a father. Suddenly he has a baby, Seven, who depends on him for everything. But it’s not so easy to sling dope, finish school, and raise a child. So when he’s offered the chance to go straight, he takes it. In a world where he’s expected to amount to nothing, maybe Mav can prove he’s different. When King Lord blood runs through your veins, though, you can't just walk away. Loyalty, revenge, and responsibility threaten to tear Mav apart, especially after the brutal murder of a loved one. He’ll have to figure out for himself what it really means to be a man.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-17
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Maverick Carter
Iesha
Lisa
Faye Carter
Mr. Wyatt
André 'Dre'
King
Discussion points
How do Maverick's experiences shape his view of responsibility and family?
What impact does the community have on the characters' lives throughout the book?
How does the author, Angie Thomas, portray the idea of redemption and second chances?
What did you learn about the challenges young people might face in similar environments as Maverick?
Discuss the importance of role models depicted in 'Concrete Rose'. How do they influence Maverick's decisions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Maverick’s situations, helping them connect personally with his struggles and triumphs.
Highlight the significance of choices and consequences, and relate them to everyday decisions your child might face.
Discuss the importance of community support, and ask your child about who they consider their support system.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of resilience and facing challenges head-on.
Suggest keeping a journal entry with thoughts on each chapter to deepen their understanding and emotional connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Personal Growth
Explanation: The character of Maverick learns to take responsibility for his actions and his family, ultimately striving to be a better person despite his circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of taking responsibility for their own actions and making positive choices, even in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face significant challenges but demonstrate resilience and perseverance, inspiring readers to do the same.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to remain resilient and persistent when facing their own difficulties, knowing they can overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Community Support
Explanation: Maverick finds strength through his family and friends, showing how crucial a supportive community is during tough times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and seek support from their own family and community, understanding that no one has to face challenges alone.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Choices
Explanation: As Maverick navigates the consequences of his early choices, the story highlights the long-term impact of our decisions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think through their decisions carefully, considering both immediate and future repercussions.