The First Rule of Punk

The next day, at Calaca, Malú reveals her idea to the band: “[W]e’re throwing an anti-Fall Fiesta talent show” (194). Joe likes the idea, but both Benny and Ellie are skeptical and worried they’ll get in trouble. Malú convinces them to do it, and the group decides to change the name of their anti-talent show to the “Alterna-Fiesta talent show” (196). That night, Malú gets the idea to do a punk cover of a Lola Beltrán song.

At school the next day, Malú and Joe have a candy necklace thrown at them by Selena and her friends. Joe tosses it back at Selena. Selena mocks Joe and Malú, saying they have a crush on one another. Later, at home, Malú’s mom says that she’s noticed that Malú and Joe are spending a lot of time together.

At band practice, Malú brings up the idea of covering a Lola Beltrán song. She’s convinced the group will dislike the idea, but everyone’s into it. Malú is concerned about singing in Spanish.

The chapter concludes with an eight-page zine titled “Music” that details the reasons for Malú's love of song. Included among these reasons is that “lately music has made [her] feel more connected to the Mexican part of [her]” (211).