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. The characters and their reactions to various situations are realistically complicated, creating a believable, relatable story.'Hysterical. The narrative successfully integrates all of these elements into a compelling story of young people sorting through conflicting messages and social pressures around sexuality and relationships. The impact of social media, religion, and adults’ handling of these issues is also examined. Without being didactic, this story explores expectations around gender roles and calls out toxic behaviors that even “good guys” are guilty of. One of the girls tires of being labeled a “Baby-Getter” and calls out her child’s father on social media, demanding accountability for the fathers and less focus on the mothers. Local media called it a pregnancy pact, though it was actually the result of multiple snow days and boredom. This happens right after a spate of teen pregnancies in town. Del is the only one taking Healthy Living at school the pastor won’t allow his young parishioners to enroll. Jameer, another Purity Pledger, promises to help Del connect with Kiera in exchange for the one thing Pledgers don’t have-access to accurate information about sexual health. Del realizes he just became a Purity Pledger, committed to staying ”sexually pure” until marriage. When Kiera and other teens approach the altar during a service, he jumps up to join the youth group so he can spend more time with Kiera. Gr 8 Up–Del Rainey attends church with his mother just to get close to his crush, Kiera Westing.

Not so pure and simple lamar giles