Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas

- From Amazon

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Thomas, Angie. 2021. CONCRETE ROSE. New York: BALZER + BRAY, An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 978-0-06-284671-6. 

B. PLOT SUMMARY
Maverick was content to follow in his dad’s footsteps, as a King Lord. But everything changed when he found out he was a dad himself. With the help of his cousin, Maverick chooses a different path, but the streets try to lure him back again and again.  At a young age, Maverick learns what it takes to be a family man.

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)

Thomas’s prequel to “The Hate U Give” gives the backstory of Starr’s dad, Maverick. It is the story of Maverick’s crossroads as a young man. Gang banging and drug dealing are avenues that only the desperate choose.  Poverty and deprivation lead people to find alternative ways to provide for themselves. Unfortunately, these have been markers of African American culture for too long. 

Thomas delves deeper into the dynamics within a gang. There are advantages and disadvantages of being a part of something like the King Lords.  The “system” can provide money and protection for people who feel short on both.  However, there is also a price to belong to the organization. Maverick was challenged to decide where his loyalty belonged, to his past or to his future. 

Teenage pregnancy is another issue that Thomas tackles in this book.  It’s interesting that in the two instances where the girls get pregnant in this story, the sex was portrayed as a comfort or a distraction from grief. The resulting babies are seen as blessings, as well as challenges. Thomas portrays the difficulties of parenthood, especially at a young age.  She emphasizes the crying, the dirty diapers, and the lack of sleep.  Ultimately, it was the responsibility of parenthood that abdicated Maverick from the gang life.  His children saved him. 

The issue of black men being imprisoned on drug charges is a cultural issue.  There are debates about the statistics.  Maverick’s dad, Adonis, is imprisoned for selling drugs.  His scenario is too common in the African American community.  Many would say this issue involves systemic problems, within the economic system but also the legal system. 

D. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist starred, January 2021:  “Maverick’s story is one that offers hope, encouragement, and optimism, and it shows those going through difficult times of their own that they can take control of their own destiny.”

Horn Book Magazine starred, March 2021

Kirkus Reviews starred, December 2020

Michael L. Printz Honor, 2022

Publishers Weekly starred, November 2020

School Library Journal starred, December 2020: “ Maverick Carter, who is Black, is a wonderfully complex character who will resonate with readers of all stripes. Thomas writes with a depth of humor and clarity that really allows readers to bond with the characters.”

E. CONNECTIONS

Concrete Rose is an excellent “coming-of-age” story.  There are several other YA novels that could be great companions to this one, such as With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo, The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore, and Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

 

-from Kwame Alexander's website

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Alexander, Kwame. 2014. THE CROSSOVER. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 978-0-544-10771-7.

B. PLOT SUMMARY
Filthy McNasty. That was the nickname that Josh Bell was given at a young age by his father, a former basketball star.  Josh, and his twin brother, Jordan, were coached in the art of basketball since they could walk.  They both excelled at the sport. It was their life, at least until Jordan got his first girlfriend. Then, for the first time, Josh started to feel disconnected and forgotten by his brother. Around the same time, their dad, “Da Man” started to have some health issues….

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Kwame Alexander is a lyricist. His verses are both musical and powerful. Centering the Bell family dynamic around basketball is a cultural marker.  For many African Americans, success in sports was one of the only avenues of financial success in America for too many years.  

This book includes many aspects of culture.  One of the biggest elements of culture is food. The Bell family fluctuates between the food they love to eat and the healthy food they should eat. Pollard’s fried chicken and Krispy Kreme’s donuts are family favorites, but they also contribute to the health issues the family faces. Specifically, there is an emphasis on the health issues that plague black males. Alexander writes a storyline that portrays the premature deaths of generations of African American men from heart health. 

Language is a cultural marker that Alexander highlights in this story. Josh likes words, so there are several chapter titles that read like an entry in a dictionary, like “caᐧlamᐧiᐧty [KUH-LAM-IH-TEE] noun,” or “iᐧronᐧic [AY-RON-IK] adjective.” The acquisition of language is an indication of education, which is a sordid issue within the African American community.

Music and clothes are other cultural elements woven within the book.  Legendary Air Jordans are valued, as well as the player they are named after. There are also several “chapters” dedicated to hair, and the role it plays in identity.  When Josh cuts off his dreads, after a bet with his brother goes awry, he mourns the loss of them.  He even keeps them in a box.   

One of the most remarkable elements of this story is love. The love between the brothers, and the love between the father and his sons is exceptionally beautiful.  The way they encourage one another and support one another is moving.  When tragedy strikes, it is the strength of the family that carries the boys through. 

D. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS

Coretta Scott King Author Honor, 2015

Kirkus Reviews starred, January 2014: “The basketball action provides energy and rhythm for a moving story. Poet Alexander deftly reveals the power of the format to pack an emotional punch.”

Newbery Medal, 2015

Publishers Weekly starred, January 2014

School Library Journal starred, March 2014: “ Alexander has crafted a story that vibrates with energy and heart and begs to be read aloud. A slam dunk.”

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) starred, August 2014

E. CONNECTIONS
Alexander’s “Crossover series” now contains three books, The Crossover, Booked, and Rebound. These three books are all novels in verse that are centered on sports. They are great, accessible reads for middle grade students.  Other great sports fiction for similar aged readers would be Hoops by Matt Tavares, the Track Book series by Jason Reynolds, and Fast Pitch by Nic Stone. 

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

 

-from Kirkus Reviews

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Alexander, Kwame. 2019. THE UNDEFEATED. Ill. by Kadir Nelson. New York: Versitfy, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 978-1-32878-096-6.

B. PLOT SUMMARY
Heartbreaking and inspiring! The Undefeated tells the tale of African Americans, from their forced, involuntary migration to the new world to their progressing, but complicated present. It is the story of thriving despite the odds against them.  It chronicles the successes in the different sects of society-arts, sports, politics- as well as the tragedies that continue to happen. The beautiful illustrations by Kadir Nelson bring the generations of people alive on the page. 

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
This is possibly one of my favorite books of all time! Alexander’s words are commanding and compelling, and Nelson’s illustrations are absolutely stunning. This book is an ode to the generations of a people group whose story is deplorable, yet determined.
 
This picture book is written as a poem. Some pages only contain one sentence, while others have a stanza or two.  Although the words are few, they are very potent. Alexander  uses several allusions in his text, to songs, poetry and other works that are well known. Italics are used to indicate references. The font size is also manipulated to give attention to some of the words and phrases he uses. 

The repetition used for emphasis of “This is for the unspeakable,” is heart wrenching.  The illustrations show the crowded bottom of a slave ship, then the broken glass in framed pictures of the girls who lost their lives in the bombing of the church in Birmingham, and a present day memorial for lives lost to police violence. Each is a testimony to appalling injustice and racism that has spanned through generations of one culture, one race of Americans. 

Kadir Nelson has a way of expressing fortitude and defeat on the faces of the people. They look tired, but resolute. The detail of their muscles convey immense strength. The colors and contrasts of their skin shine with brilliance. He also pays great attention to the historical time-period norms, such as hair styles and clothes.  He illustrates unnamed characters, but also many famous people including Dr. Martin Luther King, Muhammed Ali, Ella Fitzgerald, and Wilma Ruldolph.

The way Nelson uses blank space is also so poignant. Early on in the book there is a page with the words, “The ones who survived America by any means necessary,” with an illustration of a family, and then the next page continues with the words, “and the ones who didn’t,” with a completely blank page.  It is haunting.  It is the tragic truth of the story that needs to be told and remembered.  

D. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist starred, February 2019

Caldecott Medal, 2020

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, 2020

Horn Book Magazine starred, March 2019: “Alexander and Nelson honor the achievements, courage, and perseverance of ordinary black people as well as prominent black artists, athletes, and activists.”

Kirkus Reviews starred, February 2019: “Past and present are quilted together in this innovative overview of black Americans’ triumphs and challenges in the United States. Alexander’s poetry possesses a straightforward, sophisticated, steady rhythm that, paired with Nelson’s detail-oriented oil paintings, carries readers through generations chronicling “the unforgettable,” “the undeniable,” “the unflappable,” and “the righteous marching ones,” alongside “the unspeakable” events that shape the history of black Americans.”

Newbery Honor, 2020

Publishers Weekly starred, February 2019

School Library Journal starred, April 2019

E. CONNECTIONS

This exceptional picture book speaks to the African American experience. There are other inspirational picture books that could easily complement this work, like Hey Black Child by Useni Eugene Perkins, A place inside of me: a poem to heal the heart, by Zetta Elliott, Black Magic by Dinah Johnson, and This is the Dream by Diane ZuHone Shore. 

Watch Kwame Alexander read this amazing books: BBC Scotland video

Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman, by Alan Schroeder

 

-from Penguin Random House

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Shroeder, Alan. 1996. MINTY: A STORY OF YOUNG HARRIET TUBMAN. Ill. by Jerry Pinkney. New York: Puffin Books. ISBN 0-8037-1888-8.

B. PLOT SUMMARY
This historical fiction picture book depicts the beginning of a hero’s life. Before she was Harriet Tubman, she was Minty, a young girl, growing up on a plantation with her family.  This story depicts the tenacious burgeoning spirit of a woman who would free herself and many others. 

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)

The story Shroeder tells is based on historical fact, but as he explains in a foreword note, the details of the events are fictional. From the first page, he conveys Minty as a sprightly and strong-willed child. She doesn’t readily obey her master, which leads to violent consequences. However, it alludes to the spirit that would one day serve her well. 

Through Minty’s parents’ dialogue and others, the reader begins to understand the oppressed mentality of the slaves that had resigned themselves to live in such a way that ardently avoided conflict and retribution. For most, it was simply about survival.  The character, Amanda, that works alongside Minty in the fields warns hers about running away.  Her attempt had only ended in more abuse. But for whatever reason, Minty had the courage and vision to hope for more. Her father, “Old Ben” prepares and teaches Minty some things that convey his belief and hope for her also. 

He includes biblical allusion, as Minty talks to her dilapidated doll. In her retelling of the story of David, she refers to the Goliath character as a “master.” There is hope in this story for her, to defeat her own giants. Religion is a cultural marker for the African American community, but also a double-edged sword. At times, it has offered hope and solace for their suffering, but it has also been used against them to justify the institution of slavery.  

The watercolor illustrations are muted in color, but drawn with beautiful detail.  One of the only bright colors in the red bandana Minty wears upon her head.  This seems intentional, to set Minty apart. Pinkney tries to portray the reality of the clothing and wares of the slaves. Minty is drawn in oversized, dingy clothing.  All of the slaves’ clothes seem ragged and mismatched, which seems realistic. The same is true of their environment.  In scenes of the slaves’ cabin, the sleeping arrangements are small and constrained, and they all have to share worn and patched blankets.  The only housewares are woven baskets or basic cooking pots.  

D. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS
ALA Notable Children's Books, 1997

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, May 1996

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, 1997

Horn Book Magazine starred, September 1996: “Quick action and dialogue create a taut story and clearly depict Minty's strong-willed nature and her desire for freedom. Pinkney's watercolors provide detail and depth in this intriguing and emotional portrait.”

Kirkus Reviews Starred, 1996: “Told in rhythmic prose and colloquial dialogue, the plot has actual events that are small, but it is rich with melodrama, suspense, pathos, and, of course, a powerful vision of freedom. Pinkney's illustrations exhibit, characteristically, his refined draftsmanship; the complicated compositions convey psychological aspects of slavery and make the individual characters even more distinct. This exquisitely crafted book resonates well beyond its few pages.”

Publishers Weekly starred, May 1996

School Library Journal, May 1996

E. CONNECTIONS
Other quality children’s books that teach children about the life and heroism of Harriet Tubman are When Harriet met Sojourner by Catherine Clinton, A picture book of Harriet Tubman by David A. Adler, She Persisted: 13 American women that changed the world by Chelsea Clinton. 

Koala Lou by Mem Fox

 

-from memfox.com

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Fox, Mem. 1988. KOALA LOU. Ill. by Pamela Lofts. New York: Voyager Books, Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 0-15-200076-3.

B. PLOT SUMMARY
Koala Lou is loved, and she is loved especially well by her mom.  However, as their family expands, her mom has less and less time to give her eldest child. Desperate for her mom’s affections, Koala Lou makes a plan to impress her mom and gain her attention once again. Koala Lou trains and tries her best, but ultimately, she will find out that a mother may become busy, but her love never waivers.  

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Koala Lou is an Australian tale.  The first clues to the origin are the animals that are included in her story.  Instead of horses, pigs and goats, there is an emu, a platypus and a kookaburra. These animals seem very region specific. 

The natural elements of the story’s setting are also indications of the specificity of the land.  Koala Lou competes in the “Bush Olympics,” and much of the activity happens in a “gum tree.” Gum trees are native to Australia. Pamela Lofts does a great job of illustrating the animals and plants in a way that accurately portrays their natural beauty. A white background dominates most of the pages; the characters are not set in a colorful backdrop, but are placed as the focal point of attention.  This seems intentional, to draw the eye to the details of the animal. Lofts even adorns some of the animals with brightly colored hats to add to the fun.

In the book, the community of animals show love and support for one another. The predator/prey order of things is suspended, and all of the animals get along. There is a mix of the natural and fantastical throughout the book. The realistic elements help the reader relate to the story. For example, the limitations on a mother’s time and attention is a family dynamic many kids are familiar with.  Losing a race or competition is another relatable woe. Whether the reader can connect easily with the setting or not, he/she most likely can relate to the mother and child relationship. 

D. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Horn Book Guide Starred, February 1990
Kirkus Reviews, 1989: “This satisfying reworking of a familiar and ever-important theme is appealingly illustrated--bright colors, soft-edged sculptural forms, precise detail, dozens of expressive animals. Another winning import from one of Australia's favorite authors.”
Publishers Weekly, August 1989: “Both of Fox's books send out positive messages to children about the wonders of being human: Koala Lou celebrates the eternal love of a mother for her child…”

E. CONNECTIONS
Mem Fox has several books that celebrate the love of a mother.  Along with Koala Lou, she also has, Harriet, You’ll Drive Me Wild!, which is another great picture book about a mom’s enduring love.
For books that highlight the struggle that siblings can have with sharing their parents’ time and attention, Pecan Pie Baby by Jaqueline Woodson, Sophie Peterman tells the truth! by Sarah Weeks, and The Boss Baby by Marla Frazee would be great read-alouds to share.

Our Castle by the Sea by Lucy Strange

 

-from LucyStrange.com

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Strange, Lucy. 2018. OUR CASTLE BY THE SEA. New York: Chicken House, an imprint of Scholastic Inc. ISBN 978-1-338-35385-3.

B. PLOT SUMMARY
Petra Smith’s home was a lighthouse. She was both in love with the sea and terrified of it at the same time.  She grew up hearing the terrible tales of shipwrecks and tragedy at sea, but it wasn’t the sea that would threaten her family. Having a German mother and an English father never mattered to Petra, but when World War II broke out, it seemed to matter to everyone else.

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Petra’s family is a blend of two different cultures, English and German. Her home is England, but as the war breaks out, her community begins to treat her and her family like outsiders because of her mother’s homeland. Strange walks a fine line by including some of the prejudice that existed during the war for those born in enemy territory without emphasizing too much of the cruelty for her younger readers. 

The German influence on Petra’s life seems minimal. The most obvious and significant connection to her mother’s heritage is the language. Petra calls her mother, Mutti, because of the German name for mother, mutter. She can speak and understand German.  Her mother sang her German lullabies as a child. Music is another cultural marker in this book.  It is a very small one, but specific types of songs are mentioned, especially the mystical songs of the Daughters of Stone.  

As an island country, the English culture is strongly tied to the sea. In the book, the legend of the “Daughters of Stone” is a sea myth that also serves as a warning to sailors. Throughout the story, there is a steady flow of references to boats and fishing. Petra and her sister, Magda, participate in a crabbing contest, which leads to a dramatic moment when Petra falls out of the boat into the cold, deep water. Much of the plot action is centered around the sea. 

There is a brief mention of cultural food. Scotch eggs are served for a special family breakfast. An iced biscuit is given as a treat. 

Strange also included time period markers, such as the use of the generic terms people used for different countrymen during the war.  The terms “Jerry” and “Fritz” were used to refer to Germans.  There is also certain diction made familiar to the general population because of that particular time in history, such as Dunkirk and Gestapo.

D. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist starred, March 2019

Horn Book Magazine, May 2019 “ Vivid writing and an intense, intrepid heroine provide its substance and charge, as timid Pet grows to defeat her fears and become a person of strength, courage, and valiant resistance.”

Kirkus Reviews, February 2019

Publishers Weekly starred, February 2019 “Strange seamlessly blends a local legend, of four girls turned into ancient standing stones on the lighthouse's clifftop, with the larger story. A standout historical novel with a memorable protagonist, strongly sketched setting, and a compelling, twisty plot.”

School Library Connection, August 2019

E. CONNECTIONS
Middle grade readers may enjoy reading more stories of World War II from the British perspective. For history units on World War II, teachers could also offer reading circles that focus on historical fiction from this time period. Some great titles would be The Little Ships: the heroic rescue at Dunkirk in World War II, by Louise Borden (978-0-689-80827-2), When the Sky Falls, by Phil Earle (978-1-54760-930-7), and The War that Saved my Life, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (978-1-43286-585-6).

Just a Girl: A True Story of World War II by Lia Levi

 

-from Goodreads.com

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Levi, Lia. 2020. JUST A GIRL: A TRUE STORY OF WORLD WAR II. Ill. by Jess Mason. Milano: HarperCollins Italia. ISBN 978-0-06-306508-6.

B. PLOT SUMMARY
Lia Levi tells the story of her life in Italy during World War II. Lia and her Jewish family loved each other and their life in Turin.  However, when Mussolini begins to openly oppress the Jewish population, Lia is forced to leave her school and her friends and move.  Eventually, Lia and her sisters are hidden in a convent boarding school. Though her world is turned upside down, Lia continues to find friendship and enjoyment through the hardships.

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)

In this book, the story of World War II and the culture of Italy are seen through the eyes of a small girl.  At the end of Chapter 2, she relays that she thought Mussolini had done something good for her by no longer allowing her to go to her school in Turin.  In her narration, Lia stays true to her younger self by only conveying the very limited understanding of the war she had at the time.  

Lia’s family was wealthier than most, even though at a young age, she didn’t realize it.  Nevertheless, because of their resources, they were able to move around to find opportunities that others did not have.  Lia was able to continue her schooling in Milan and then Rome. She characterizes each Italian city. One of my favorite quotes is on page 46, where Lia says, “It feels as if my other schools were in black and white and this one is in color.”  

Food is a cultural marker in this story. Lia talks about Cesarina’s eggplant parmesan, but she declares that the best lunch she ever had was the homemade spaghetti for Saint Joseph’s Day at the convent. Delicious food is a characteristic of Italian culture, but it was even more significant when enjoyed during a time of food scarcity.  

Lia Levi incorporates small bits of the Italian language throughout the book.  Simple references like Signora and Piazza and Duce give the reader a taste of the beautiful language, without impeding understanding.  The text was originally written in Italian, but it is nice that they left a few of the Italian words in the English translation.

D. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist starred, February 2022, “This highly readable first-person recollection is peppered with asides in which Lia directly addresses the “dear readers,” and her confiding tone reassures and gently informs an audience that may yet be unfamiliar with the inhumanity of that war.”

Horn Book Magazine, May 2022

Kirkus Reviews starred, February 2022, 

Mildred L. Batchelder Award, 2023

School Library Journal, May 2022, “Levi's story is perfect for young children who want to learn more about the Holocaust, but aren't ready for the more horrific details. VERDICT An excellent addition to elementary memoir and World War II collections.”

E. CONNECTIONS
Like Just a Girl, there are other Holocaust and World War II stories from the perspectives of young children.  As heartbreaking as they are, these stories are told from a perspective to which contemporary students can more easily relate. My Survival: a girl on Schindler’s list by Rena Finder, Signs of Survival: a memoir of the Holocaust by Renee G. Hartman, and Boy from Buchenwald: the true story of a Holocaust survivor by Robert Waisman would be excellent books to combine with Just a Girl for a time period study or to compare and contrast the different experiences.