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54 pages 1 hour read

Born to Rock

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2006

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Book Brief

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Gordon Korman

Born to Rock

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 2000s

Topic
Publication Year

2006

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-15 years

Lexile Level

780L

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Super Short Summary

In Gordon Korman’s Born to Rock, high school senior Leo Caraway, a dedicated Republican with visions of attending Harvard, discovers that his biological father is King Maggot, the infamous frontman of the punk band Purge. In an attempt to secure funds for his tuition, Leo joins the band's summer tour, navigating the turbulent punk scene while undergoing a profound journey of self-discovery and exploring his roots.

Humorous

Adventurous

Upbeat

Playful

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.0

2,615 ratings

58%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Born to Rock by Gordon Korman receives praise for its humor, engaging plot, and relatable characters. Readers appreciate the coming-of-age themes and the author's witty writing style. However, some find the story predictable and feel the secondary characters lack depth. Overall, it's lauded as an entertaining read for young adults.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Born to Rock?

Born to Rock by Gordon Korman will captivate readers who enjoy humorous and heartfelt coming-of-age stories. Fans of novels like Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick and Son of the Mob by Korman himself will appreciate the blend of comedy, rebellion, and the journey of self-discovery wrapped in a rock 'n' roll setting.

4.0

2,615 ratings

58%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Character List

Leo Caraway

The first-person narrator and protagonist who starts as the president of his high school’s Young Republicans, aiming for a future at Harvard. Leo's life changes when he encounters new revelations about his family and identity.

Leo’s oldest friend, known for her goth attire and passion for punk and metal music. She acts as a foil to Leo and shares a deep personal history with him.

The frontman of the legendary punk band Purge, known for his wild past and enigmatic personality. King is a significant figure in Leo’s quest to understand his familial connections.

King Maggot's cousin and the manager of Purge, who initially seems welcoming to Leo. Bernie’s behavior and actions create tension in Leo's world.

Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 2000s

Topic
Publication Year

2006

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-15 years

Lexile Level

780L

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