Promise Boys

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.

A Boston Globe-Horn Book Award 2023 Honoree

"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

Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Published: 01/31/2023
Pages: 304
Weight: 1.01lbs
Size: 9.24h x 6.29w x 1.05d
ISBN: 9781250866974
Age: Young Adult

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.7
Point Value: 9
Interest Level: Upper Grade
Quiz #/Name: 519502 / Promise Boys


Award: Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards - Honor Book


Review Citation(s):
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 12/01/2022
Publishers Weekly 12/05/2022
Kirkus Reviews 12/01/2022
Booklist 01/01/2023 pg. 64
School Library Journal 02/01/2023 pg. 79
Shelf Awareness 02/03/2023

About the Author

Nick Brooks is an author and award-winning filmmaker from Washington, DC. He is a 2020 graduate of USC's TV and Film Production program. His short film, Hoop Dreamin', earned him the George Lucas Scholar Award and was a finalist in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Film Fest. He is currently in development for his first feature film, We Were Born Kings, with Mandalay Pictures. Before becoming a filmmaker, Nick was an educator working with at-risk youth and many of his stories are colored by his experiences with the children and families of his community. He is also the author of Nothing Interesting Ever Happens to Ethan Fairmont. Follow Nick on Twitter @whoisnickbrooks and on Instagram @officialnickbrooks.
Thenickbrooks.com