""Hysterical. I couldnāt put it down.ā (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 Childrenās 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 āreal man.ā
Del has had a crush on Kiera Westing since kindergarten. And now, during their junior year, sheās finally available. So when Kiera volunteers for an opportunity at their church, Delās right behind her. Though he quickly realizes heās inadvertently signed up for a Purity Pledge.
His dad thinks his wires are crossed, and his best friend, Qwan, doesnāt believe any girl is worth the long game. But Delās not about to lose his dream girl, and thatās where fellow pledger Jameer comes in. He can put in the good word. In exchange, Del just has to get answers to the Pledgersā questionsā¦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 canāt think about that too much, though, because once he gets the girl, itāll all sort itself out. Right?
""With true-to-life characters and a straightforward handling of sex, including often ignored aspects of male sexuality, Gilesās 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"")