Quick Reads: The Rose that Grew from Concrete

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Bibliography

Shakur, Tupac.  The Rose that Grew from Concrete.  New York:  Pocket Books/MTV Books, 2009.  Print.   978-0671028459.

Summary

Before he was a platinum-selling rap legend, Tupac Shakur was an introspective teenager who was hungry for love, ambition, and social justice.  He was the eponymous rose that grew from concrete – a beautiful, exotic mind that managed to thrive in an impoverished, fallow ghetto, despite being out of place and unappreciated.  Divided into four sections, Shakur’s poetry speaks on love in several forms:  romantic, familial, and platonic.  He divulges his feelings of loneliness and the internal war between the vulnerable artist and ruthless thug inside of him.  Shakur pays homage to other star-crossed stars whose talents were too great for the world to comprehend.  He implores Black people to reclaim their rich history as thinkers, innovators, and agents of change.  Ultimately, he predicts his own early demise. 

Critical Analysis

Romantic love is a dominant motif of Rose, as well as the teenage experience in general. Tupac portrays himself as a Casanova, albeit with the best intentions.   A third of the poems are dedicated by name to the ladies in his life.  He celebrates their beauty, strength, smile, and passion, and mourns failed relationships nostalgically. His feelings are so palpable that one would think he married at least three of those girls! Young adults will identify with these intense emotions, the rollercoaster highs and abysmal lows of love.  They can take comfort that like Tupac, they will live to love another day to love another girl/guy. Perhaps they can also follow his example of making real connections with their romantic interests, of basing their affections on substantial qualities like the aforementioned beauty, strength, smile, and passion.

Teen readers will relate to crushing loneliness and being misunderstood.  In middle and high school, a young person can be surrounded by thousands of peers, yet feel invisible and unlovable.  Gifted students will appreciate how Tupac addresses isolation.  Pop culture values appearance and possessions over intellect, which leaves teenagers stooping, squatting, and hunching to fit into social crawlspaces that are too small for their talents in the name of acceptance.

Shakur also writes about the battle of who you are inside versus who your environment dictates you should be.  Many adolescents have big dreams, but feel locked out because of where they live, who their parents are, or how little money/opportunities they have.  They are tempted to bridle their greatness and submit to the violence, poverty, and hopelessness that swirl around them.  As they transition into adulthood, teenagers become aware of rigged socioeconomic and government systems. The see how drugs and gangs eat away at their neighborhoods, and how people in power are content to keep the have-nots powerless.  They want to do something, but their screams for more and better cannot be heard over the din of destruction.  For these young adults, Tupac is a resounding, lyrical voice.

For those who love his artistry, and those who only knew him by his “Thug Life” reputation, Rose gives insight into the heart of the man.  It dispels the militant, angry, gang-banger rumors that dogged Tupac and puts the focus on his wordsmithing. Social consciousness and the portrayal of a well-spoken Black man are a refreshing departure from the stereotypes of ‘hood life.  The inclusion of Shakur’s original poems in his own handwriting, complete with slang and “text talk” (i.e. 2 for “to,” an eye drawing for “I”) gives the book a rawness and authenticity that teens will appreciate.  The poems are brief and comprehensive, which make for a fast, but meaty read.  Young adults can move quickly through the book, then meditate on its profundity. Because it is arranged in quadrants, they can focus on certain topics; it is not necessary to read Rose in order.  There is little to no profanity or sexual references. Critically speaking, these poems were written up until age 19, so readers do not get to see a more mature, worldly Tupac.  Some would say that this book is biased and attempts to soften Shakur’s image after his murder.  Unfortunately, pictures are sparse. 

Librarians and educators should include this tome in any collection that serves urban youth.  It is a window into the mind of one of the greatest artists and performers of our time. Readers can trace the connection between poetry and music.  By seeing Tupac in a different light, they can identify their own talents and see the potential in themselves as well.  Because Tupac was murdered at the tender age of 25, this book immortalizes him.  It is already a classic for his fans.

Published Review*

Salpini, Susan.  Rev. of The Rose that Grew from Concrete, by Tupac Shakur.  School Library Journal 1 Jul. 2000.  Web.  Accessed July 26, 2015.

Extension Activities

1. Thorns – Tupac wrote Rose before he achieved international stardom as a rapper.  After he became famous, poverty, life in the ghetto, and ambition for something greater should not have been factors for him…or so one would think.  What problems would a mature, wealthy Tupac face? Brainstorm about the demons that a well-known entertainer would encounter and write a poem from the perspective of a 30-year-old Tupac.  Discuss at least 3 of Rose’s themes, but modify them to reflect Tupac’s new life (i.e. poverty vs. surplus). 
2. Composite of the Block – Tupac describes the ‘hood as being rife with police brutality, drugs, gangs, single moms, poverty, and little hope for the future.  Using his descriptions, make a picture of how you envision his surroundings.  Color your illustration, and feel free to use magazine and clip art.  Make sure to place a rose somewhere in the midst to symbolize Tupac’s resilience and indomitable spirit.
3. Surround Sounds – Select your favorite poem from Rose.  Listen it to its narration on The Rose that Grew from Concrete album.  Pay attention to line breaks, rhyme scheme, speed of delivery, cadence, emphasis on words, etc.  Write a brief paragraph telling about these, as well as any other literary devices you notice.  How is hearing the poem aloud different from simply reading it in print?  Does it enhance your understanding of the poem?  Is the speaker’s delivery effective; does it capture the emotions you think Tupac was trying to convey?

Related Literature

• Alexander, Kwame.  The Crossover.  Boston:  HMH Books for Young Readers, 2014.  Print.  ISBN:  978-0544107717 – Joshua and Jordan are twin brothers whose biological bond is only strengthened by their love of basketball.  Jordan’s new romantic interest leaves Joshua feeling alienated and angry.  This book is a good companion piece to Rose because they both discuss the central role that a talent plays in a young person’s life, as well as the pain of growing apart.
• Grimes, Nikki.  Bronx Masquerade.  New York:  Speak (an imprint of Penguin), 2003.  Print.  ISBN:  978-0142501894 – 18 urban teenagers of diverse backgrounds come together in a weekly class poetry slam to talk about their issues and aspiration.  In Mr. Ward’s English class, they feel safe enough to let their inner artists out of their hiding places.  Like Rose, Masquerade explores the intersections of circumstances with aspirations.
• Woodson, Jacqueline.  Locomotion.  New York:  Speak (an imprint of Penguin), 2010.  Print.  978-0142415528 –11-year-old Lonnie Collins Motion (AKA Locomotion) loses both parents in a house fire, and his sister to a discriminative foster system.  When his teacher, Ms. Marcus introduces poetry to the class curriculum, Locomotion simply, yet eloquently uses this medium to express his feelings:  missing his parents, loneliness and not belonging in his new foster home, wanting to live with his sister again, poverty, and the like. This verse novel features a younger male protagonist who gives perspective into the heartbreak that makes urban teens like Tupac hardened.  Seeing the vulnerable side of a Black boy can be a refreshing juxtaposition. 

*Rose garnered rave reviews, high sales, and was considered far ahead of its time.  Astonishingly, it did not receive any awards.