Not So Pure and Simple
Readers rate it 4.2 (18 on Hardcover)
348 pages · Released Jan 21, 2020 · HarperCollins
Content report card
Not So Pure and Simple parent’s guide: what’s inside
Violence
Substance use
What it offers
A note for parents
This is a thoughtful coming-of-age comedy that directly engages with questions of consent, toxic masculinity, and healthy relationships through a teen protagonist who learns to consider his crush's agency and desires rather than pursuing her as a prize. The narrative intentionally deconstructs harmful male stereotypes while treating sex ed and sexuality with frankness appropriate for older teens. Language is mild for YA and sexual content consists of frank discussion rather than graphic scenes, making it suitable for mature high schoolers navigating similar questions themselves.
Analyzed by AI · 1 month ago
Read it with your kids?
Rate it and suggest an age to help other parents.
From the publisher
"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... "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")
Shelved under
- Young Adult Fiction
- Young Adult
- LGBTQ
- Young adult fiction, social themes, dating & sex
- Young adult fiction, people & places, united states, african american & black
- Young adult fiction, social themes, peer pressure
- Young adult fiction, coming of age
- Young adult fiction, people & places, united states, general
Share this guide
ISBN 9780062349217 · HarperCollins