Not So Pure and Simple (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780062349194)

"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")

Author: Lamar Giles
ISBN-10: 0062349198
ISBN-13: 9780062349194
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Language: English
Published: 01/21/2020
Pages: 400
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.80w x 1.30d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.9
Point Value: 13
Interest Level: Upper Grade
Quiz #/Name: 508904 / Not So Pure and Simple


Review Citation(s):
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
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2020 - Superior,Well Above Average