Yes, Concrete Rose Is Banned!
ISBN: 9780062846716
📖 Why You Should Read This Book
Thomas' prequel to The Hate U Give follows Maverick Carter at 17, dealing with gang life, teen fatherhood, and the choices that define a generation.
Concrete Rose is Angie Thomas’s prequel to her bestselling debut The Hate U Give. Set in 1998, it follows seventeen-year-old Maverick Carter, who is juggling life as a new father, the pull of his family’s gang ties, and the weight of growing up in Garden Heights. When tragedy strikes, Maverick must decide what kind of man he wants to be and what legacy he’ll leave for his son.
The novel has been banned and challenged in multiple states, with objections citing its depictions of drug dealing, gang violence, sexual content, and strong language. Like Thomas’s other work, it centers the lived experiences of Black teenagers in underserved communities, which has made it a frequent target for removal from school libraries.
Why Was It Banned?
Where Was It Banned?
Read It Anyway
The best response to a book ban is reading the book. Here's where to get it:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Concrete Rose banned?
Yes, Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas has been banned or challenged in 14 documented instances across 4 states in the United States, including Texas, Florida, Missouri, Pennsylvania. It remains one of the most frequently challenged books in America.
Why was Concrete Rose banned?
Concrete Rose has been challenged and banned for the following reasons: Drug Use, Violence, Sexual Content, Profanity. These challenges have come from school boards, libraries, and parent groups seeking to restrict access to the book.
Where is Concrete Rose banned?
As of 2025, Concrete Rose has been banned or challenged in Texas, Florida, Missouri, Pennsylvania. Notable bans include Keller ISD (2022), Clay County School District (2023), Wentzville School District (2022).