A review by abookishmagpie
Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings for death of a loved one, drug use, gang activity, incarcerated parent, and gun violence. 

This has been one of my most anticipated books since it's announcement and, not that there was any doubt, Angie Thomas knocked it out of the park once again. Maverick was one of my favorite characters from THUG and so to see his life when he was Starr's age and how those challenges shaped him into the man we saw in THUG. The writing here is once again expertly done both in how the story is told but in the voice it gave Maverick and the Garden as well. You feel it all strongly and can just easily envision the world Maverick is navigating. It is heavy and emotional, but also just really heartwarming and inspiring too.