Punk Rock Karaoke (2024)

Synopsis

School is out for summer and Ariel Grace Jones is determined to make it one for the books! Together with their bestie bandmates, Michele and Gael, Ariel believes they’re destined to break into the music industry and out of Chicago’s Southside by singing lead in their garage punk band, Baby Hares.

But before Baby Hares can officially get into the groove, the realities of post grad life start to weigh on this crew of misfits. Ari begins to worry that it’s time to pull the plug on their dreams of making it big.

Just when all hope feels lost, a fellow punk and local icon takes an interest in their talent. It seems like he might be the only one Ariel can rely on as frustrations between bandmates reach at an all-time high.

From: Penguin Random House

Notes on This Title

The main character of this title is Black and nonbinary teen. A queer teen girl of West Indian descent is a major supporting character, as is a character who seems to be Latine and who uses they/them pronouns.

Awards

None.

Reviews

Starred Review: “Learning to stand tall and live their truths are lessons all teens need; this glimpse into a world of music and friendship will resonate with many readers searching the library for unique stories to fit them, or suit anyone who desires to express themselves, but finds the challenges of life getting in the way.” (From: School Library Journal)

“A vibrant, inclusive, feminist, punk-rock homage, guide, and coming-of-age story.” (Source: Kirkus Reviews)

Interviews

Kirkus Reviews: “A Punk Cartoonist Pens a Paean to Community

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