New York Times bestselling author Angie Thomas has finally announced her third novel and revealed its cover. The upcoming book is titled Concrete Rose and will take place 17 years before the events of her debut The Hate U Give. Her protagonist for Concrete Rose is Maverick Carter, Starr’s father. Starr is the lead character in The Hate U Give.
Concrete Rose will focus on Maverick’s origins as he becomes a father to Starr’s older brother Seven at just 17-years-old. Thomas will explore “what it means to be a young black man—and father— in America.” No doubt, Thomas’ new book will be just as powerful and moving as her previous two. To read more about Concrete Rose and some of the inspiration and intent behind it, check out Thomas’ interview with People magazine here.
Thomas’ bestselling debut novel The Hate U Give was met with high praise and acclaim. It follows Starr Carter, a high-schooler reeling from the aftermath of her childhood friend getting shot and killed by a police officer. It was adapted into a film in 2018 that was written by Audrey Wells and directed by George Tillman Jr. Amandla Stenberg took up the mantel of Starr, starring alongside Regina Hall, Russell Hornsby, Anthony Mackie, Issa Rae, Common, and K.J. Apa. Her second novel, On the Come Up, was also optioned for film last year.
Concrete Rose is set to release on January 12, 2021.
