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International phenomenon Angie Thomas revisits Garden Heights seventeen years before the events of The Hate U Give in this searing and poignant exploration of Black boyhood and manhood.

If there’s one thing seventeen-year-old Maverick Carter knows, it’s that a real man takes care of his family. As the son of a former gang legend, Mav does that the only way he knows how: dealing for the King Lords. With this money he can help his mom, who works two jobs while his dad’s in prison.

Life’s not perfect, but with a fly girlfriend and a cousin who always has his back, Mav’s got everything under control.

Until, that is, Maverick finds out he’s a father.

Suddenly he has a baby, Seven, who depends on him for everything. But it’s not so easy to sling dope, finish school, and raise a child. So when he’s offered the chance to go straight, he takes it. In a world where he’s expected to amount to nothing, maybe Mav can prove he’s different.

When King Lord blood runs through your veins, though, you can't just walk away. Loyalty, revenge, and responsibility threaten to tear Mav apart, especially after the brutal murder of a loved one. He’ll have to figure out for himself what it really means to be a man.

In the heart of Garden Heights, a bustling, vibrant community nestled among the towering skyscrapers of Atlanta, Angie Thomas, the acclaimed author of "The Hate U Give," returns with her latest masterpiece, "Concrete Rose CD." This powerful novel delves into the depths of family, loyalty, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Set in the 1990s, "Concrete Rose CD" introduces readers to Maverick Carter, a young man struggling to find his place in the world. With a father serving a life sentence in prison, Maverick faces the constant weight of his family's history and the expectations that come with it. Determined to break free from the cycle of violence and poverty, he finds solace in music, pouring his heart and soul into his rap lyrics.

As Maverick navigates the complexities of adolescence, he encounters a series of obstacles that test his courage and resolve. From confrontations with rival gangs to the allure of the streets, he must confront the harsh realities of life in Garden Heights. Yet, amidst the chaos, Maverick discovers the power of love and friendship, finding solace in the bonds he shares with his mother, his grandmother, and the people who have shaped his life.

"Concrete Rose CD" is a poignant exploration of identity, race, and the complexities of growing up in an urban setting. Angie Thomas мастерски weaves a tale that captivates and challenges its readers, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of a community often overlooked. Through Maverick's journey, we witness the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of music.

With its raw honesty and unflinching portrayal of life in Garden Heights, "Concrete Rose CD" is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience. Angie Thomas's powerful storytelling and thought-provoking themes make this novel a lasting contribution to contemporary literature.