Independent Reading Level: Grade 5
Awards: None

First of all, thank you goodreads for an arc of "The Rose That Grew From Concrete" by Tupac Amar Shakur. I was excited to see this book and thrilled when I received a copy. "The Rose That Grew From Concrete" is a collection of poetry written by Tupac from the time he was nineteen years old. The "To Our Children", Acknowledgments, Preface, Foreward: Tupac, C U in Heaven, and Introduction sections definitely added to the book and understanding of Tupac's short-lived life. In my opinion, his first poem in the book, "The Rose That Few from Concrete", sums up Tupac's life and his beliefs. A great title to this amazing book. I also liked how Tupac's handwritten poems were included, along with the typed versions. His writing and the illustrations that were included, gives the reader a personal insight. The poems cover numerous topics of his life. The one that is the most emotional for me is "In The Event Of My Demise". I've read it so many times and it brings tears every time. A life cut too short. As a fifth-grade teacher that teaches a unit in poetry, I'm looking forward to sharing some of these poems with my students. A definite must read! ( )

This collection of Tupac Shakur's poetry, published in 1999, showcases the poetic talent and raw emotions of one of America's most iconic rappers. The book features side-by-side pages of Tupac's finished poems alongside his handwritten (and oftentimes signed) original pages of the lyrics. These handwritten pages sometimes features doodles or drawings, and offer an intimate look into the process of writing Tupac engaged in. The poems are vulnerable and emotional, challenging stereotypes of what we expect out of masculinity, and inviting the reader to share in Tupac's vulnerability. There are short forwards to begin the book from Afeni Shakir (Tupac's mother and legendary Civil Rights Activist) and American poets Leila Steinberg and Nikki Giovanni. These honor Tupac's contribution to arts and culture, as well the impact he had personally on these women. These forward help to contextualize the poems that follow.

This is a book of poems written by one of Hip-Hop greatest, Tupac. This book will inspire those middle school students who enjoy rhyme and flow. ( )

After hearing a review of this book in a class I went and checked it out at the library. I was amazed by his poetry and if you look for his poems you will also find them put to music. He is such an incredible poet and you will find all sorts of beautiful subjects that he writes about but the poem that the book it titled after is one of my favorites. The image of a rose that grew from concrete has so much meaning and imagery. ( )