The principal of a prep school is murdered. Three students are the main suspects and must work together to prove that they're all innocent.

I think one of my favorite things about this is the format. At the beginning, you get a little bit from a bunch of different people before you get chapters from the main three characters. Trey, J.B., and Ramon all have distinct enough voices that they aren't easily confused with each other. The writing is also easy to read. All of the chapters are very short, and so is the book itself, which makes it a really quick read.

Rep: Black main and side characters, Latino (El Salvadoran mostly) main and side characters, an ESL speaker, and non-standard English speakers.

CW: racism, murder, gun violence, physical violence, blood, cops being dicks, and mentions of child pornography, cancer death, death of a parent, incarceration of a parent, gang violence, and addiction.

I look forward to what Nick Brooks writes next.

I'm on the fence with this one. Some of the male characters were a bit hard to keep straight. The "big reveal" wasn't really a surprise. Therefore, it wasn't as much of a mystery as I'd hoped. I did like how the guys worked together in hopes of sharing kindness and trying to make the world a bit better.

Promise Boys is an interesting book that takes the reader on a ride from perspective to perspective as the boys try to figure out the person behind the murder. This is a high interest and timely read. I would add it to my classroom library and give positive book talks about it.

Thank you to @FierceReads, NetGalley, and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group/Henry Holt and Co. for sending this e-arc of PROMISE BOYS by @officialnickbrooks to read and review!

PROMISE BOYS by NICK BROOKS is a young adult mystery following three teen boys that are forced to investigate their principal's murder to clear their names. Urban Promise Prep School was created to help create boys into men with extreme discipline, rules, uniforms, and all. For some, attending Urban Promise could be life-changing and launch them into the school/career of their dreams. What J.B., Trey, and Ramon don't expect is being suspects in their principal's murder to be the life changing event.

When I saw that this book was marketed towards fans of Karen McManus, Angie Thomas, Jason Reynolds, and Juliana Goodman, I couldn't pass up reading this immediately. With that being said, I think I set myself up for high expectations and ended up being disappointed in the long run. I was excited for the premise and enjoyed the majority of it. When switching between character POVs (the story is told through interviews, flashbacks, emails, texts, newspaper articles, and the current timeline with 4+ POVs) I was surprised by how easy it was tell who's who (I often struggle with differentiating characters when multiple POVs are introduced). Of the three main boys, Ramon is my current favorite; I found myself connecting with him and being more interested in his story than the other characters. I was frustrated alongside the boys and trying to figure out why someone would frame them for murder (it seemed like a wrong place, wrong time situation and they were being framed for the benefit of the murderer.) I was rooting for them to clear their names and to get the happy endings they were looking for. However, I started to lose interest around the 50% mark. I realized that the boys investigating the murder to clear their names hadn't really started yet and for me to be to 50% through felt slow. Their investigation felt quick and convenient, but I did read an ebook arc copy so I wouldn't be surprised if when these events happen differ in the physical copy or if edits were made. It wasn't making much sense to me how they made the connection. I was not surprised by the reveal. Not that it was bad, just that I think it would've been more shocking if it was a different character. With all of the that being said, I will be giving this three stars. If you liked the previously mentioned authors and academic mystery settings, check this book out!

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I freaking LOVED this book. It had so many perspectives, both from main and secondary characters, as we try to unravel the mystery at Urban Promise Prep. It serves up dark academia vibes, haunting mysteries, and just this feeling of general dread. Plus it has that lovely multimedia of texts, emails, and news articles throughout. I do feel like some of the mystery could've been foreshadowed better or maybe just upped the ante, but it's overall a really great YA mystery.

*Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

Trey, J.B and Ramón are not friends, at least not until they are all suspects in their principals murder! All three are students at the renowned Promise Academy which often feels more like a jail than a school where young men of color are being made into “men” but where most find it suffocating and overbearing. Now these three young men have to work together to clear their names and prove their innocence, something that they wouldn’t have to do if their skin was a different color or they came from a different place. As a public school teacher this book brought up a lot of my feelings about Charter Schools in general as well the state of education in this country. I throughly enjoyed this book and look forward to bringing it into my classroom.

The Utban Promise Prep School is incredibly prestigious and promises to turn boys into men who will do great things. The school rules are very strict, no talking, no cell phones, demerits if you forget your belt or walk the wrong way. The principal, Kenneth Moore, is a beloved member of the community, but his students have a different opinion. He is shot and killed and there are immediately three suspects, all non-white boys. I loved these boys and admired their hopes and dreams. Ultimately these boys, who maintained their innocence, band together to solve the murder. The plot is unique and the characters and story simply amazing.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Urban Promise Prep School raises boys to be successful. It's not easy--there are high expectations. No talking. Walk correctly. Do your homework. Strict discipline requires the students to succumb to punishment and do better. It may not always be fair, but they'll learn.

J. B., Ramon, and Trey don't know each other, really, however, they all end up in detention. It's a bad day to be in detention. All the boys are separated from each other and from the detention monitor when a gun shot rings out. The principal has been murdered. He's the backbone of the school, the man who transforms these boys into men. Because the boys were in detention, they are the main suspects. They each have reasons to kill him--if one believes people can have a reason to kill another human. Two can be connected to the gun, but where is it now?

As the novel progresses, the boys discover new parts of themselves and truths about their personal lives, for J. B., Ramon and Trey have difficult home lives for different reasons. They also discover that they need to solve the mystery together. People who believe in them help as well. Is one of them the killer after all? Can they find a way to look for clues?

Overall, I enjoyed the novel. I did have trouble remembering which kid was whom because I could only read a chapter or two at night and the guys ran together in my head. I didn't think it was surprising who the murderer ended up being, and they really didn't have to do a lot of investigating. Therefore, the novel isn't really a mystery with clues and narrow escapes and suspenseful surprises. It's about the boys and how people can take advantage of people with limited opportunities and pre-conceived ideas concerning them. It's about working together to make the world better, to realize power and money corrupt, so fight to be recognized as a human and fight for others' recognition as well. Make the world better with kindness, not with power.

This was well written and had me turning the pages. Even if I was surprised by the reveal. I liked the ride and the three boys and the complexities of their lives.

This is the story of three high school students of color, falsely accused of murdering their principle. All with reasons to be angry at him for the repressive environment he created. The beginning of the book was a little slow and while I understand the chapters from various community members etc were trying to make a point, it might have worked better with less of this and more of the boys stories. They eventually came together to solve the murder

Promise boys is a gripping novel perfect for fans of the hate u give!! This novel is incredible. It’s perfect for anyone who likes a thriller ya.

WOW! Incoming YA mystery sensation!

The Urban Promise Prep School vows to turn boys into men. As students, J.B., Ramón, and Trey are all forced to follow the prestigious school’s incredibly strict rules, which are enforced by Principal Moore.

But when Moore ends up murdered and the cops come to investigate, these three are quickly marked as the case's prime suspects. With all three maintaining their innocence, they must band together to track down the real killer before they go down for it. This incredible thriller shines a glaring light on how the system too often condemns Black and Latinx teen boys to failure before they’ve even had a chance at success.

This was such a fast read! It was so easy to get lost in, and before you know it a few hours have passed and you’re on the final chapter. I loved the format, with switching perspectives, interviews, newspaper excerpts, and more, it felt really fresh and helped drive the story along at a quick pace. I truly can’t recommend it enough to anyone looking for a YA mystery!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

Wow, this was such a great read! I liked all of the main characters and found myself rooting for them! Although it's not super difficult to figure out who the killer was it still kept me intrigued and interested. The writing was phenomenal and I look forward to more from this wonderful author!

Actual rating 4.5 stars.
 
Pitched as Karen McManus meets Angie Thomas meets Jason Reynolds, Promise Boys is a story about three teens of color whose lives suddenly turn upside down when they’re all suspects in the murder of the school’s principal. It shows the threat teens of color, especially boys, feel daily. Because they’re always at fault. Always. Even if they aren’t. Especially when they snap.
 
JB, the smart one who desperately wants to go to college, suddenly snaps and spits Mr. Moore in the face. Trey, the basketball star who’s hard on the outside and soft on the inside, suddenly snaps and tells Mr. Moore he’ll kill him. And Rámon, the cook who sells his abuelita’s pupusas, suddenly snaps when Mr. Moore throws his pupusas into the trash.
 
Did one of these boys kill Mr. Moore, or is there another culprit?
 
When an author gets compared to great authors like the ones I mentioned above, I’m always a bit skeptical. Because it’s so difficult to write a story as good as those authors do. And still, Nick Brooks managed to deliver one. Promise Boys is actual and immediate, and incredibly powerful. I started reading this story on a Sunday evening, and I read a quarter of the book without even noticing. Nick pulled me in, and I couldn’t let go. Build up from interviews, newspaper articles, multiple voices from side characters, and those of the three boys, Promise Boys is a must-read. It’s one of those stories that makes you think of how the system repeats itself. Time and again.

I have nothing more to tell. Just read it!

Loved It!

This book drew me in from the very first page. I was so invested in solving the mystery. I was kept guessing throughout the whole story. The Promise Boys, J.B., Ramón, and Trey, were all so lovable. I was rooting for them to be exonerated and to live happily ever after. I especially enjoyed the social commentary on the struggles of Black men in this country. This was such a well-written and creative murder mystery. The ending gave me everything that I wanted. I would highly recommend this dynamic YA novel. Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan, and Nick Brooks for this advanced copy to review. #PromiseBoys #NetGalley.

Synopsis: The Urban Promise Prep School vows to turn boys into men. As students, J.B., Ramón, and Trey are forced to follow the prestigious "program's" strict rules. Extreme discipline, they’ve been told, is what it takes to be college bound, to avoid the fates of many men in their neighborhoods. This, the Principal Moore Method, supposedly saves lives.

But when Moore ends up murdered and the cops come sniffing around, the trio emerges as the case's prime suspects. With all three maintaining their innocence, they must band together to track down the real killer before they are arrested. But is the true culprit hiding among them?

This exquisitely taut thriller shines a glaring light on how the system too often condemns Black and Latinx teen boys to failure before they’ve even had a chance at success.

This is EXTRAORDINARY WORK and it earns more than five stars! Maybe it’s early to declare the best books of 2023 because I probably read about 50 arcs that be released on 2023. But honestly when you see a glowing gem, you can appreciate its uniqueness! This book is different and special! So I can proudly say it will be one of the HITS and the best works of next year! I hope my words may put this great work on your radar and I advise not to add your tbr, just read it, don’t let this beauty be forgotten in your list!


Let’s take a quick look to the plot which hooks you up from the first chapter!

A gun shot terrorizes the students of Urban Promise Prep during the basketball game. The principal and founder of the school: Kenneth Moore is found shot to death at his office by his coworker and DC officers focus on the investigation to find the killer of the principal: who was beloved member of the community.

He started the school as a dream project to create a place for the young brains who are struggled at the regular schools. The teenagers nobody wants to teach and understand can have a brighter future ahead of them by attending to Promise Prep.

This place is their second chance to get approval from the colleges they dream of going.
But this dreamy place that can give opportunities to the children who were forgotten slowly turns into the biggest nightmare of their lives. The rules of the school are extremely rigid! You have to wear stuffy uniforms. No tardiness accepted. You cannot fraternize with the other students. Music and cell phones are forbidden. You cannot make jokes. You cannot raise your voice and you cannot even wear colorful socks or shoes. It seems like Mr. Morgan just created his own kind of prison and he became of the despotic king of this place!

There are three suspects of this murder case. All of them are Urban Promise Prep students and as you can guess: two boys are black and third not is Latin American. The principal sent three of them to the detention at the same day. But during the shooting none of them was at the detention and they have motives to get rid of him.

JB Williamson, tall, intimidating, mostly quiet but suffering with anger management issues ( that’s what the others say) had a fight with principal in front of the students and he punched the wall, threatened to the principal! Always the quiet ones get involved in crimes like this, don’t they? After the shooting, his new girlfriend whose ditched by him sees JB’s shirt covered in blood. He keeps telling that wasn’t his fault! Does he tell the truth?

Trey Jackson, star basketball player, moved from NY after her addicted mother couldn’t be able to take care of him, living with his extra disciplined , ex-serviceman and alcoholic uncle. He might have accidentally brought his uncle’s gun to the school. But it was a stupid misunderstanding. On the other hand, he was suspended to play at the important basketball game. This means he also loses an important shot to go to college. The recruiters were invited to watch him at the game. Even his uncle brought a friend his own to show his nephew’s skills. This is all Mr. Moore’s fault! Here’s his motive!

And Ramon Zambrano, sells his grandmother’s pupusas even though he’s been warned many times before. Mr. Morgan put his cousin to the jail by warning the authorities. And humiliating Ramon in front of his friends, taking the pupusa money and throwing everything his grandmother cooked for hours into trash, sending him detention were the last straws. Somebody has to stop that man!

Did one of them kill the principal or are they the victims of the trashy and biased system that convict the people according to their color!

Those three boys didn’t know each other because the school rules were too strict for the fraternization. But now they will be reluctant allies to find the real perpetrator who took the principal’s life to acquit from the crime that may ruin their entire lives! The clock is ticking and before someone convict one of them, they have to act fast not yo be a scapegoat!

I devoured it in one sitting! It’s so exhilarating, inspirational, moving, powerful! One of the best things I’ve read!

So many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group/ Henry Holt and Co. for sharing this FANTASTIC arc copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

Three boys all sent to an inner city private school, "The Promise Academy" suddenly find themselves suspects in the murder of the school's no nonsense principle. Each one was in detention that afternoon, but each one also had a reason to leave the room at some point. All of these boys are living in tough home situations and the police have already decided that one of them is the murderer. The boys and their friends set out to prove that it couldn't have been one of them, even though they initially suspect each other as they do not "hang together" either in or out of school. Building trust, working together and "following the money" allow them to work out who is the murderer and the motive too. Readers get a distinct impression of each boy; their home life, their school life and their street life too. The characters speak true to their situations which makes readers empathetic to their realities. Readers won't want the story to end, but Brooks does provide some "after the conclusion" info about each boy's life path following their time at the Promise Academy. Would like to see more about this group of kids and their friends in the future.

Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC of #promiseboys, I got to read Promise Boys by Nick Brooks and I am SO glad I did. Equal parts Karen McManus and Angie Thomas, Brooks tells a compelling story about boys in a rigid charter school, trying to solve the murder of their principal before the blame falls on them. The story pulled me in and the social context had me thinking. Neither the importance of the story nor the mystery were underserved; it was a taut, well-written book perfect for today's world.

Thanks to Netgalley for giving me an advanced copy of this book. I was really excited to read this book because I work in the library of an all boys school and It's a book that I will likely put on a book order list since I think there will be students that will enjoy it. Personally, I enjoyed the second half of the book much more than the first half. The first half went very slowly for me, and I wish there would have been more of a relationship between the students of Promise Prep, especially the boys who end up being suspects in the murder of the Principal.

This was a wonderful mystery! I really enjoyed the topics discussed and felt that this really does bring something new the the genre.