ParentsPick

Concrete Rose — Content Guide for Parents

By Angie ThomasHarperCollins Publishers2021ISBN 9780062846716360 pages
Concrete Rose

Themes present

Violence
Racial/cultural content
Profanity
Sexual identity
Gender roles
LGBTQ+ themes

Not found

Scary contentReligious themesClimate change

Content themes

Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.

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Religious themes

PRESENT

Contains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.

About this book

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. A Printz Honor Book!

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.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is Concrete Rose appropriate for a 7-year-old?

    The narrative includes instances of gun violence, including a teen boy being shot in the head and another teen being shot to death. This violence is tied to the themes of gang involvement and the struggles of the characters. No scary content detected in the search results.

  • Does Concrete Rose have violence?

    The narrative includes instances of gun violence, including a teen boy being shot in the head and another teen being shot to death. This violence is tied to the themes of gang involvement and the struggles of the characters.

  • Does Concrete Rose have scary content?

    No scary content detected in the search results.

  • Does Concrete Rose have religious themes?

    No religious themes or content detected in the search results.

  • Does Concrete Rose have racial/cultural content?

    The book explores themes of race and the dehumanization of young Black men in America. It addresses systemic racism and the impact of violence on the Black community, reflecting ongoing societal issues.

  • Does Concrete Rose have profanity?

    The book has been noted for its use of profanity, which has led to challenges and bans in some schools and libraries. This aspect is highlighted in multiple reviews.

  • Does Concrete Rose have climate change?

    No climate themes detected in the search results.

  • Does Concrete Rose have sexual identity?

    The book addresses themes of sexuality, showing both sexes enjoying their sexuality and bearing responsibility for their actions. The protagonist, Maverick, faces adult situations related to fatherhood stemming from a one-night stand.

  • Does Concrete Rose have gender roles?

    The narrative presents a nuanced view of gender roles, showcasing different challenges faced by men and women. It explores themes of masculinity, responsibility, and the dynamics of family roles, particularly in the context of gang culture.

  • Does Concrete Rose have lgbtq+ themes?

    The book features a bisexual character, and this aspect is presented casually within the narrative. The inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes is noted as a positive element in reviews, indicating normalization of these identities.