Urban Promise Prep School is a school for the "lost boys" of the DC school system, founded by its strict, rigid, authoritarian principal, Kenneth Moore. During a Friday night basketball game, Moore is found shot dead in his office.
There are three primary suspects, J.B., Trey and Ramon. All are students, two are Black, and the third is Latino, each facing their own challenges. They were all supposed to be in detention at the time of the murder. None have an alibi, and all have a motive.
Promise Boys is cleverly written, made up of a compilation of chapters from the perspectives of key characters, as well as articles and interviews with witnesses, other students and parents. The story is intense, fast-paced and hooks the reader right away.
More than just a murder mystery, Promise Boys explores some serious issues such as racism, poverty, abuse, gun violence, incarceration, urban gangs, and the failure of the educational system. It's clear to J.B., Trey and Ramon that black and brown boys get no benefit of the doubt and no presumption of innocence. Promise Boys is gripping, powerful and deserving of all the hype. It would also make an amazing film.
Thank you to BookishFirst for a copy to review.
There are three primary suspects, J.B., Trey and Ramon. All are students, two are Black, and the third is Latino, each facing their own challenges. They were all supposed to be in detention at the time of the murder. None have an alibi, and all have a motive.
Promise Boys is cleverly written, made up of a compilation of chapters from the perspectives of key characters, as well as articles and interviews with witnesses, other students and parents. The story is intense, fast-paced and hooks the reader right away.
More than just a murder mystery, Promise Boys explores some serious issues such as racism, poverty, abuse, gun violence, incarceration, urban gangs, and the failure of the educational system. It's clear to J.B., Trey and Ramon that black and brown boys get no benefit of the doubt and no presumption of innocence. Promise Boys is gripping, powerful and deserving of all the hype. It would also make an amazing film.
Thank you to BookishFirst for a copy to review.