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A review by booksgurrsandpurrs
Promise Boys by Nick Brooks
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
JB, Ramon, and Trey all attend the Urban Promise Prep School. JB is a sensitive artist still figuring out what the future looks like. Ramon has culinary ambitions. Trey is a dedicated basketball student hoping to turn his after school activities into a profession. All three students find themselves in detention the same day their principal is murdered. Now these three young boys are prime suspects. Rumors spread, and articles are written. Will their community stand behind them or turn against them? Are JB, Ramon and Trey willing to trust each other to clear their names or is the situation too divisive to trust each other?
I enjoy the book's formatting that varies from articles, eye witness accounts, interrogations, letters, to POV from each suspect before, during and after the murder. Underlying this noir genre is a deeper discussion about the function, ideals and design of academic settings. Are kids taught critical thinking skills or to stay silent and obey?
I enjoy the book's formatting that varies from articles, eye witness accounts, interrogations, letters, to POV from each suspect before, during and after the murder. Underlying this noir genre is a deeper discussion about the function, ideals and design of academic settings. Are kids taught critical thinking skills or to stay silent and obey?