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

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)

--Tracey Baptiste, author of The Jumbies.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Published: 01/21/2020
ISBN: 9780062349194
Pages: 400
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.80w x 1.30d

Review Citations: School Library Journal 11/01/2019 pg. 64
Publishers Weekly 11/04/2019
Kirkus Reviews 11/15/2019 pg. 241
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 01/01/2020
Booklist 01/01/2020 pg. 87
Horn Book Magazine 03/01/2020 pg. 81