Concrete Rose (The Hate U Give, #0) by Angie Thomas
Published by Balzer + Bray on January 12, 2021
ISBN: 006284671X
Pages: 360
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Angie Thomas is back with another winner of a book with this prequel to The Hate U Give.  This is the story of Starr’s parents.  Maverick is a 17-year-old living with his mother in the Garden doing his best to get by while his dad is in prison and his mom works two jobs to support them.  He’s doing okay in school, has a great girlfriend, trusted friends and family, and slings a little pot for the King Lords, his dad’s gang.  His life changes completely when he finds out he’s the father of a 3 month old boy, conceived during a brief breakup with his girlfriend.  Suddenly he’s taking full-time care of a baby, staying up all night, sleeping during school, and working after school to pay for baby supplies.  Not too long after that he loses his best friend and cousin.  This is an incredibly thought-provoking tale of the struggle between your past and your future, and decision-making and consequences.  By the end, it’s easy to see that Maverick is well on his way to being the incredible and responsible father that he is to Starr.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library