Born to Rock [Hardcover]

Grade 7-10–President of his high school's Young Republicans club and on a fast track to Harvard with a full scholarship, Leo Carraway finds his life turned upside down by two events. His unlikely best friend–a hip, nonconformist named Melinda, whose temperament, politics, and interests seemingly clash with his lifestyle–convinces him to help tutor a gay classmate. When the homophobic assistant principal observes Leo talking to Owen during a test, he accuses Leo of cheating and causes him to lose his scholarship. Then Leo learns, to his consternation, that Marion X. McMurphy (King Maggot)–the top punk singer of the 1980s with a reputation for destruction on stage and leader of the band Purge–is likely his biological father. He decides to confront King Maggot and get him to pay for his lost scholarship and joins the crew of roadies supporting the band on a summer revival tour. Leo is introduced to the decadent world of punk performers, production crews, agents, and groupies that confirms his dislike of the music, but at the same time, he re-examines his primary beliefs and principles and is fundamentally changed by his experiences. He and Melinda, who is spending the summer following the band, slowly realize that they have more in common than they had thought. At the end, Leo uncovers a surprise about his biological father and reflects on what this means to his life. Korman's story has an appealing narrative voice, sharp dialogue, and vivid characterization to portray Leo's coming of age.–Jack Forman, Mesa College Library, San Diego
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Gr. 7-10. "There are two kinds of people in this world--those who have had a cavity search, and those who haven't. This is the story of how I wound up in the wrong category." After Young Republican Leo Caraway discovers that his biological father is none other than millionaire King Maggot, lead singer of the punk band Purge, he accepts a roadie job on King's tour in the hope of securing sorely needed college tuition. Soon, coke-snorting musicians and on-the-make agents are assaulting Leo's traditional values at every turn. Still, he manages to keep his cool, until he uncovers a shocking truth about his bio-dad that leaves him questioning every principle he holds dear. Leo's journey to punk-rock appreciation is a sharply observed, original take on the tired "outsider looking in" cliche. Though predictable at times and a little too clean (since when are there no expletives in punk?), Korman's rock opus redeems itself with smartly written dialogue and a slow-burning romance between Leo and his best friend, Melinda. Jennifer Hubert
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Praise for Son of the Mob 2: Hollywood Hustle: "Korman delivers many funny lines throughout as he deftly balances satirical elements with an action-packed story." - Booklist --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

 

Gordon Korman wrote his first book when he was just fourteen years old. Since then, he has written over fifty-five popular young adult and middle grade novels, including the New York Times #1 bestselling THE 39 CLUES: ONE FALSE NOTE, THE JUVIE THREE, SCHOOLED, SON OF THE MOB (an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults), BORN TO ROCK, and NO MORE DEAD DOGS. Gordon lives with his family on Long Island. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

A high school Republican Club president learns that his biological father is the leader of the legendary punk rock band Purge. Narrator Billy Hammond helps young Leo Caraway shed his Brooks Brothers jacket and go on tour with the band to see if dad's rebellious blood truly runs through his veins. Gordon Korman's story puts Hammond through his paces as he imparts the personalities of more than a dozen characters. Even his female characters sound believable, an achievement that is always a challenge for male narrators. Sadly, the snippets of rock music interspersed are often lame. They could use some input from someone closer to the era. M.S. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.