Promise Boys by Nick Brooks

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Promise Boys

Author: Nick Brooks

Publisher: Henry Holt

Copyright Date: 2023

ISBN: 9781250866974

Format: Prose Print Book

Genre: Mystery/ Thriller/ Contemporary Fiction/ BIPOC Voice

Awards: Odyssey Award for Young Adult- 2024 (for audiobook)

Interest Level: Grade 9 and up (School Library Journal)

Plot Summary:

Urban Promise Prep. claims to be the salvation for young troubled boys who have been neglected by public school, promising their future as fine young men. But Principle Moore has a unique way of getting results, that extreme discipline keeps boys out of the streets ensuring degrees. No phones, no talking, follow the blue line, school from 7am-5pm, strict uniforms, and constant demerits. Urban Promise Prep. is closer to prison than a school, at least in prison you can talk at lunch. It's no wonder Principle Moore was murdered.

However, the community doesn't know Moore like the Promise Boys do, and nearly no one knows about the Promise Boys at all. So when three young students of color, J.B., Trey, and Ramón, turn up as the only suspects, no one defends them. It's up to the Promise Boys to clear their names and solve this

murder mystery before their futures are taken from them.

Author Background:

Nick Brooks is extremely talented and explores his creativity as an author, filmmaker, and rapper! He attended USC where he graduated from their TV and Film Production Program. Before this, Nick worked with youth as an educator and coach. His stories are inspired by and filled with inspiration from the children and families he has met throughout his careers. Some of Nicks film work has included award winning Hoop Dreamin' and an upcoming movie We Were Born Kings. Nick is also the author of the middle grade series Ethan Fairmont. Listen to some of his music under his moniker Ben Kenobe.

Critical Evaluation:

Not to brag but, I could be Jessica Fletcher based on how fast I solved this murder. Despite this, Promise Boys is one of the most unique mysteries I have ever read! I was enraptured immediately with how this novel started. Nick Brooks introduces the murder and the characters involved in the most creative way. Each perspective was delivered as if it was from an interview regarding each suspect. I found this structure and the mystery in general to be a perfect vehicle to deliver the real heart of this novel. How the world views young boys of color. The picture that was created for each young man was done first by people who knew nothing about them. It was so interesting to see the juxtaposition of what people believed the Promise Boys to be and who they truly are. I loved how this novel comments on the school system, the justice system, white savior complex, gang structure, and blatant agism, misogyny, and racism. I loved each character and was transported into their souls, feeling their strife through the pages! The Promise Boys have basically been convicted before the police have even arrived on scene. What is more upsetting is that even these boys who know each other are innocent, look to other students of color as possible suspects before looking at adults with motive. This says a lot about what we as a society think of young men of color and more about what they think of themselves. Things need to change!

Creative Use for Library Program:

Pupusas Made with Love- Ramón slings pupasas that he makes with his grandmother at school. Pupusas are central to the Promise Boys. Librarian invites a volunteer to teach a pupusas making class with teens. After class teens deliver pupusas to neighborhood shelters.

Library Motto- The Urban Promise Prep. school motto eventually gets rewritten to fit the needs and goals of the students who attend. Librarian facilitates teens to work together to create their own motto for their library space.

Imposter Tournament- Librarian manages a tournament night for teens to play Who is the Imposter but with book, movie, and other content a part of the library collection. Prizes are awarded for the winner like a year of a mystery game subscription box.

Speed Round Book Talk:

Trey left detention to use the "bathroom." Mr. Moore was shot. Ramón's brush was at the scene of the murder. J.B. was covered in blood. They promise they are innocent.

Potential Challenge or Defense Preparation:

I struggle to see what someone may challenge or find problematic about this story. Because of this I took to reading reviews. I found a few saying that this book's second half was rushed. While I understand where they are coming from, I think that the first half of this story is where the meat really is. It's where Nick introduces the problems of todays society for young men. The mystery to me was an added bonus while adding the agency that the characters found in saving themselves rather than waiting for society to do it because unfortunately that often does not happen.

Reason for Inclusion:

This is the second private school faculty murder mystery I have reviewed on my blog, but I think that both of these novel serve a different purpose. Nothing More to Tell was a fun mystery to its core. Unlike this, Promise Boys is a dissection of how adults, educators, and the school system see, treat, and affect the lives of young men, in particular, young men of color all under the guise of being a mystery. For this reason I think that this novel offers a unique purpose and lens for teens to understand themselves and adults in their lives. While I did not listen to the audiobook, I would recommend people listen and read for an immersive award winning experience.

Check Out:

Nick Brooks is a triple threat when it comes to writing! Below is his newest EP available on Spotify.

References:

Goodreads. (n.d.). Promise Boys. Accessed August 2024 from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61144954-promise-boys

Kamela, M. (2023, February). Promise Boys. School Library Journal. https://www.slj.com/review/promise-boys

Kenobe, N. (2023). The Phantom Menace [EP]. Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/album/235zh45RL5xp1KUaCW9vQ8

Nick Brooks. (n.d.). Home. Accessed August 2024 from https://open.spotify.com/album/235zh45RL5xp1KUaCW9vQ8

@fierceread, @officialnickbrooks. (2022, December). Do you love thrillers? Well, get ready!⁠ We’re so excited to reveal the jaw-dropping teaser for PROMISE BOYS by [Post]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CmKVooODh_S/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==