It’s a pretty fine line but this story walks it like a tightrope. I like how it mentions the issues found in abstinence only education without making abstinence itself seem like a bad thing. The discussion of sex and sex education is so well done. Every time we had a hurricane, we also had new pregnancies so… I feel like not enough books focus on the reality of high school drama because this literally reminded me of my own high school. There was so much drama and I was here for it. Representation: Black main character, teen pregnancy The Good Trigger Warnings: conversations around sex, underage drinking, slut shaming, toxic masculinity, male entitlement, sexual assault 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. (Jan.In his first contemporary teen novel, critically acclaimed author and 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. Agent: Jamie Weiss Chilton, Andrea Brown Literary. 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. Meanwhile, Del navigates being the guy who has to ask awkward questions in the sex ed class the other Purity Pledgers aren’t allowed to take amid rumors about the Baby-Getters Club-a supposed pact among some of the girls at school to get pregnant at the same time.

Er.” When she suddenly experiences a breakup, though, he’s determined to give things a go, inadvertently signing up for their church’s Purity Pledge group alongside her, an eight-week program offering “a thorough review of why Jesus wants me to abstain.” Though he’s a virgin, Del has a reputation for being a player at school, and Kiera won’t entertain his clumsy advances. High schooler Del Rainey has had a crush on Kiera Westing since kindergarten, but Kiera has “never been single.

Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles