An Indie Next List Pick!

In his first contemporary teen novel, critically acclaimed author and 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")

ISBN: 0062349201 EAN: 9780062349200

Publisher: Quill Tree Books (View Publisher's Titles)

Binding: Paperback

Pub Date: October 27, 2020

Copyright Date:

ISBN: 0062349198 EAN: 9780062349194

Publisher: Quill Tree Books (View Publisher's Titles)

Binding: Hardcover

Pub Date: January 21, 2020

Copyright Date:

ISBN: 1094106895 EAN: 9781094106892

Publisher: HarperCollins (View Publisher's Titles)

Binding: Compact Disc

Pub Date: January 21, 2020

Copyright Date: 2020

NOT SO PURE AND SIMPLE