April 09th, 2023

Summary: The joys of the teen years do not come easy for Delbert"Del" Rainey Jr. While it is not unusual that at some point everyone has a secret crush, he has been eyeing Kiera since Kindergarten.  The problem is several other high school male juniors have identified her beauty and are all on a mission to see who gets to her first. The Purity Pledge has Del questioning his integrity versus the curiosity of his male ego. All the daily thoughts that run through his mind is a blazing portrait of sin and is the opposite of what he should be thinking based on what he was being taught at “First Missionary House” church in his weekly” PP” classes.   Del and his mother have been attending church regularly while his father on the other hand is encouraging Del to test the waters of premarital sex. Although, the “PP” classes are designed to keep him focused, he comes up with a plan to try to win Kiera over.  During what is supposed to be a fun evening of teen socialization running parallel to a group of parental conversations, several inappropriate gestures, comments, and acts are made. Is this a one time event?   Is Del a part of this negativity?  Is he able control himself in the presence of the girl who he is mesmerized by?  Has he even inquired how Kiera feels about any of this?
Strengths:  This book crossed many challenges that teens face but are often swept under the rug until a crisis occurs.  Although, several details are missing regarding the insinuations of sexual assault and harassment, the underlying actions are presented. These are strengths because they are real uncensored issues. 
Weaknesses: Not necessarily a weakness, but this book can either help or trigger a teens experience.  It is so relevant that it serves as a source of information but also a reality for many.
Thoughts:  More books like this are becoming in the sense they are educational and relatable for the reader. ​

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