Theme and message

Identity and fatherhood

The excerpt from the novel Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas explores the theme of identity and fatherhood. The theme is illustrated by Maverick and Adonis and the evolution of their relationship.

For Maverick, Adonis is the symbol of the perfect father. Despite living without him since he was eight years old, Maverick has maintained an idealistic image of Adonis. In his eyes, Adonis is a god-like man whose imposing presence makes him nervous and weak: “It probably look like I'm bouncing Seven on my knee, but I can't keep my legs still. I don't know why I'm nervous, this my pops. He never come dow...