"Hysterical. I couldn't put it down." (Nic Stone) "I laughed, I
gasped, I church grunted through every chapter." (Tiffany D. Jackson)
"Heartfelt and hilarious on every page!" (Justin A. Reynolds)
4 starred reviews! * An Indie Next List Pick! * Named one of Bank
Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year!
Two-time Edgar Award finalist Lamar Giles spotlights the consequences
of societal pressure, confronts toxic masculinity, and explores the
complexity of what it means to be a "real man."
Del has had a crush on Kiera Westing since kindergarten. And now, during
their junior year, she's finally available. So when Kiera volunteers for
an opportunity at their church, Del's right behind her. Though he
quickly realizes he's inadvertently signed up for a Purity Pledge.
His dad thinks his wires are crossed, and his best friend, Qwan, doesn't
believe any girl is worth the long game. But Del's not about to lose his
dream girl, and that's where fellow pledger Jameer comes in. He can put
in the good word. In exchange, Del just has to get answers to the
Pledgers' questions...about sex ed.
With other boys circling Kiera like sharks, Del needs to make his move
fast. But as he plots and plans, he neglects to ask the most important
question: What does Kiera want? He can't think about that too much,
though, because once he gets the girl, it'll all sort itself out. Right?
"With true-to-life characters and a straightforward handling of sex,
including often ignored aspects of male sexuality, Giles's thoughtful,
hilarious read offers a timely viewpoint on religion, toxic masculinity,
and teen sexuality." (Publishers Weekly, "An Anti-Racist Children's
and YA Reading List")
