Concrete Rose

"The Hate U Give is one of my favorite books of the past few years, so I knew I had to read its new prequel – and it did not disappoint. The first book focused on 16-year-old Starr Carter, who witnesses her best friend’s death at the hand of the police. In Concrete Rose, Thomas proves she’s a master at world-building and shifts the focus to Maverick Carter, Starr’s father. Set in 1998, 17-year-old Maverick learns he is the father of a young baby. Once again, Thomas creates an honest and compelling story about what it’s like to bear adult responsibilities when you’re only a teenager – a reality many young Black people face. I hope Thomas continues to revisit this universe again and again."