 | |
| Author | Angie Thomas |
|---|---|
| Published | January 12, 2021 |
| Publisher | Balzer + Bray |
| Publication place | Africa |
| Pages | 368 |
| ISBN | 9780062846716 |
| Followed by | The Hate U Give |
Concrete Rose is a young adult novel by Angie Thomas, published January 12, 2021, by Balzer + Bray.
Concrete 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]
Concrete 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] |
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. [16]
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