Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas

 Maverick and Lisa are very much in love,  but during a brief breakup Mav spent one night with Iesha.   Now he is sure that Iesha’s three month old son isn’t his - so sure that he hasn’t told Lisa about that one night with Iesha.

Iesha asks Mav to take a paternity test to prove to her boyfriend King -  who is Mav’s best friend - that her baby isn’t Mav’s.  But after the test,  no one’s life will be the same. 

Themes of gang loyalty, family,  paternity, and incarceration are explored with unmatched emotional intelligence and humor.  Concrete Rose is a prequel to Thomas’ On the Come Up.  Recommended for all high school aged readers and perfect for book club discussions as well.--Jessica Fenster-Sparber

Thomas, Angie.  Concrete Rose.  New York: Balzer and Bray, 2021.