Not So Pure and Simple: A Hilarious and Heartfelt YA Novel About First Love, Toxic Masculinity, and True Connection

"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")

• First Crush: Del has been crushing on Kiera since kindergarten. Now that she's single, he'll do anything to get her attention―even accidentally join a Purity Pledge.
• Confronting Toxic Masculinity: With his dad and best friend Qwan offering questionable advice, Del has to figure out what being a "real man" actually means on his own terms.
• Funny YA Novel: Praised as "Hysterical" by Nic Stone, this is a heartfelt comedy about the absurdity of societal pressure and the ridiculous schemes we hatch for love.
• Purity Culture Clash: Del’s plan goes sideways when he has to navigate the rules of the pledge, all while secretly becoming the church's go-to source for sex ed information.
• High School Romance: Set against the backdrop of junior year, church youth groups, and figuring out what Kiera really wants, this is a contemporary romance that’s anything but pure and simple.

Lamar Giles writes for teens and adults. He is the author of the Edgar Award finalists Fake ID and Endangered as well as the critically acclaimed Overturned, Spin, and The Last Last-Day-of-Summer. He is a founding member of We Need Diverse Books and resides in Virginia. Visit him online at lamargiles.com.