The Rose That Grew From Concrete

The Rose That Grew From Concrete by Tupac Shakur

Shakur, T. (1999). The rose that grew from concrete. New York: Pocket Books

ISBN: 0671028448

Plot

Poems handwritten in notebooks from the time he was 19 by Tupac Shakur are reproduced here. These 72 poems encapsulate the life of Shakur who was murdered in 1996. The poems examine love, life, dreams, conflict, hate and death.The book ends eerily with the poem In the Event of My Demise.

Critical Evaluation

These poems are a window into a soul struggling to make sense of a violent, imperfect world.  Some are sweet and innocent about love. Others are prophetic such as In the Event of My Demise with the words: "I hope I die for a principle or a belief that I had lived 4. I will die before my time, Because I feel the Shadow's Depth." Tupac Shakur's murder was, of course, senseless. Shakur writes in a language that older tweens will be able to relate to. Hopefully they learn a lesson about senseless violence when they reflect upon how his voice was silenced.

Readers Annotation

Tupac Shakur's most honest and intimate thoughts were not uncovered until after his death. Handwritten journals were found containing his poetry. The 72 poems reproduced here represent a window into his complicated, often contradictory, world. They are a deeply personal portrait of a talented recording artist and actor whose time on this earth was ended too soon.

About the Author

Tupac Shakur (1971-1996) was an American rap artist. He has sold over 75 million albums. Shakur was also a gifted actor who appeared in 7 major motion pictures. He was a social activist and his work promoted economic, social and civil rights. Shakur was shot on the night of September 7, 1996 in Las Vegas. He died 6 days later, another victim of the mindless East Coast-West Coast hip hop rivalry.

Genre: Poetry

Curriculum Ties: Language Arts, Social Studies

Booktalk Ideas: Did Tupac's death have meaning?

Reading Level: Grade 7+
Interest Level: Grade 7+
Challenge Issues: Tupac and rap are controversial. This book is not. It is surprisingly thoughtful and sweet.

This book is included because Tupac is a well known rap figure to many tweens. His legend has grown since his death. I want tweens reading poetry. Some who may not otherwise open a book of verse, may open this book.