Fantastic Contemporary Book for Fans of The Hate U Give
This contemporary urban tale revolving around life in a highly disciplined all-boys high school grabs a reader's attention and does not let go. The plot is page-turner and easy to read since it is divided into numerous short chapters, ranging in length from a couple sentences to a couple pages. The first-person narrator changes with each chapter and rotates through a long cast of characters from teens to their various extended family members, their teachers, students in other schools, and of course the principal of Urban Promise Prep School whose murder is the subject of the very first sentence in the book.
The "promise" part of the school's name is a nod to its promise to take boys whose families lack income, stability, civility or any combination of those in their under-served communities and turn them into well-educated, morally and mentally strong individuals with numerous opportunities for college scholarships. As with any organization or product that promises 100% success, there are some weak links in the chain and some grandiose promises that cover up problems. One of many strengths of PROMISE BOYS is its handling of the numerous issues that plague cities and the people who call it home. It is clear that no one issue carries all the guilt for trouble nor all the glory for success.
The author's writing rings true and conversations sound authentic; Nick Brooks is from Washington,D.C. - the setting of this novel. In addition, this young author had experience as a teacher with at-risk youth. The changing POV's capture the frustration of adults who see flaws in the U.P.P. School program and administration as well as the the highly charged emotional highs and lows of the teenagers. Every chapter adds a new detail and raises a new doubt about who could or could not be involved inthe murder. Excellent writing that provides a story sure to be a hit for YA audiences but also for any adult who enjoyed books such as 'Long Way Down' by Jason Reynolds or 'The Hate U Give' by Angie Thomas. However, I found PROMISE BOYS to be even better than both of those outstanding books.
The "promise" part of the school's name is a nod to its promise to take boys whose families lack income, stability, civility or any combination of those in their under-served communities and turn them into well-educated, morally and mentally strong individuals with numerous opportunities for college scholarships. As with any organization or product that promises 100% success, there are some weak links in the chain and some grandiose promises that cover up problems. One of many strengths of PROMISE BOYS is its handling of the numerous issues that plague cities and the people who call it home. It is clear that no one issue carries all the guilt for trouble nor all the glory for success.
The author's writing rings true and conversations sound authentic; Nick Brooks is from Washington,D.C. - the setting of this novel. In addition, this young author had experience as a teacher with at-risk youth. The changing POV's capture the frustration of adults who see flaws in the U.P.P. School program and administration as well as the the highly charged emotional highs and lows of the teenagers. Every chapter adds a new detail and raises a new doubt about who could or could not be involved inthe murder. Excellent writing that provides a story sure to be a hit for YA audiences but also for any adult who enjoyed books such as 'Long Way Down' by Jason Reynolds or 'The Hate U Give' by Angie Thomas. However, I found PROMISE BOYS to be even better than both of those outstanding books.