A rose in the concrete

In A Rose in Concrete, Angie Thomas revisits the characters from the hit film The Hate U Give . Learn about Maverick Carter at age 17 and how he became the father of Seven and Starr.

Maverick Carter knows that a real man takes care of his family. As the son of a former King Lords gang legend, Mav does it the only way he knows how: by selling drugs. The money helps his mother, who works two jobs to support the family while his father is in prison.

At just 17, he knows his life isn't perfect, but with a breathtaking girlfriend and an overprotective cousin, Mav has it all under control.

Or rather, he did... until he discovered he was the father of a three-month-old baby.

Balancing life on the streets, studying, and being a good father is no easy task. Especially with Iesha, the baby's mother, leaving all the work in his hands. So, when he has the chance to change his life, Maverick seizes it. In a world that expects his downfall, Maverick wants to prove himself different. After all, even roses can bloom in the most adverse situations.

But with the blood of the King Lords running through his veins, leaving everything behind could be a real challenge. Mav's loyalty, revenge, and responsibility are put to the test, especially after the brutal murder of a loved one. He will have to discover for himself what it truly means to be a man.

A Rose in the Concrete offers a sincere and delicate look at Black masculinity, both for young and old. Set in the 1990s, the book is filled with rap, R&B, and even the most famous boy bands of the era.

“In A Rose in Concrete , Angie Thomas takes a loving look at the reality of Black lives.” - The New York Times

“It's a book that takes us into the life of a character who is easy to judge from the outside, but very difficult to condemn when we know his insides.” - Nic Stone, author of Letters to Martin

“Thomas's genius lies in his ability to create the story of a man who represents the reasons that have brought us to the critical moment we live in today.” - Time

“Thomas brings his trademark wit, nostalgic love of ’90s R&B, hip-hop, and penchant for candid representation to this first-person coming-of-age account of Maverick Carter.” - Publishers Weekly

“This literary DeLorean transports readers to the past, where they dream and fight alongside beloved characters from The Hate U Give .” - Kirkus Reviews

“A candid exposé on Black masculinity and the power of possibility.” - People