Promise Boys — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
Promise Boys is a blockbuster, dark academia mystery about three teens of color who must investigate their principal’s murder to clear their own names. This page-turning thriller is perfect for fans of Karen McManus, Jason Reynolds, Angie Thomas, and Holly Jackson.
"Thrilling, captivating, and blade-sharp." —Karen M. McManus, #1 New York Times bestselling author of One of Us Is Lying
The prestigious Urban Promise Prep school might look pristine on the outside, but deadly secrets lurk within. When the principal ends up murdered on school premises and the cops come sniffing around, a trio of students—J.B., Ramón, and Trey—emerge as the prime suspects. They had the means, they had the motive . . . and they may have had the murder weapon. But with all three maintaining their innocence, they must band together to track down the real killer before they are arrested. Or is the true culprit hiding among them?
Find out who killed Principal Moore in Nick Brooks's murder mystery, Promise Boys—The Hate U Give meets One of Us Is Lying.
"A brilliant pulls-no-punches mystery." —Adam Silvera, #1 New York Times bestselling author of They Both Die at the End
A Boston Globe-Horn Book Award 2023 Honoree. A New York Public Library and Kirkus Best Book of the Year!
Frequently asked questions
Is Promise Boys appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The plot centers around the murder of the principal, which is a violent act. The narrative includes themes of racial and class-based violence, and there are mentions of physical confrontations and threats. The book includes elements of suspense and danger due to the murder mystery, which may be considered scary for some readers, particularly younger audiences.
Does Promise Boys have violence?
The plot centers around the murder of the principal, which is a violent act. The narrative includes themes of racial and class-based violence, and there are mentions of physical confrontations and threats.
Does Promise Boys have scary content?
The book includes elements of suspense and danger due to the murder mystery, which may be considered scary for some readers, particularly younger audiences.
Does Promise Boys have religious themes?
No religious content, practices, or beliefs are detected in the narrative of 'Promise Boys'.
Does Promise Boys have racial/cultural content?
The narrative addresses themes of racial inequality and systemic oppression, focusing on three boys of color who are suspects in the murder of their principal. It critiques prejudging individuals based on race.
Does Promise Boys have profanity?
Contains instances of profanity, including words like 'f--k', 's--t', and 'a--hole', particularly in the context of character interactions.
Does Promise Boys have climate change?
No climate-related themes or discussions are present in the narrative of 'Promise Boys'.
Does Promise Boys have sexual identity?
Includes a brief scene of two teens having sex for the first time, along with mentions of toxic masculinity and other sexual themes. The content is presented sensitively.
Does Promise Boys have gender roles?
The book touches on themes of toxic masculinity and male fragility, particularly in the context of the boys' experiences and societal expectations.
Does Promise Boys have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes or characters are mentioned in the search results for 'Promise Boys'.
