Giles is a master at writing realistic characters that are both flawed and relatable.” - Tiffany D. “Holy hell! This was perfect timely read! I laughed, I gasped, I church grunted through every chapter. “This is a deeply funny and searingly honest look at teen sex, adults’ anxieties around it, and the toxic masculinity that so often shapes it.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books 'With a fresh perspective, Giles takes care to flesh out his full cast of characters, creating an intricate, multifaceted web of misogyny and its detrimental impact.' - Booklist (starred review) “Giles’s thoughtful, hilarious read offers a timely viewpoint on religion, toxic masculinity, and teen sexuality.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Hilariously necessary.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “The novel takes on teen attitudes toward sex and relationships and gender power dynamics in a way that is appealing and thought provoking. Powerful.” - School Library Journal (starred review) “A compelling story of young people sorting through conflicting messages and social pressures around sexuality and relationships. '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') 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. With other boys circling Kiera like sharks, Del needs to make his move fast. In exchange, Del just has to get answers to the Pledgers’ questions…about sex ed. But Del’s not about to lose his dream girl, and that’s where fellow pledger Jameer comes in. His dad thinks his wires are crossed, and his best friend, Qwan, doesn’t believe any girl is worth the long game. Though he quickly realizes he’s inadvertently signed up for a Purity Pledge. So when Kiera volunteers for an opportunity at their church, Del’s right behind her. And now, during their junior year, she’s finally available. 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.”ĭel has had a crush on Kiera Westing since kindergarten. Reynolds)Ĥ starred reviews! * An Indie Next List Pick! * Named one of Bank Street College of Education's Best Children’s Books of the Year!

Jackson) 'Heartfelt and hilarious on every page!' (Justin A. I couldn’t put it down.” (Nic Stone) 'I laughed, I gasped, I church grunted through every chapter.' (Tiffany D.

Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles