REVIEW: My Misadventures as a Teenage Rock Star by Joyce Raskin

Description

Rock ’n’ roll isn’t just about sex and drugs. It’s about self-expression, lasting friendships, and self-empowerment. That’s what Alex learns after she starts playing bass for a rock band in this almost true story. Joyce Raskin, author and musician, culls from her memories to create this funny, touching, and honest look at what it’s like to be a teenager, a girl, and a rock star all at the same time.

Also included are a note from the author, instructions on how to play basic guitar chords, advice on songwriting, and more!

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Graphia (June 13, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0547393113
• ISBN-13: 978-0547393117

SOURCE:  PUBLISHER / NETGALLEY

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

This book is such a strong, positive story for younger teens.  My niece (15 and a reluctant reader) read a few chapters of it and declared it "real, this is how real kids my age talk".  She really wanted a copy of her own. Alex is truly the perfect character to portray the hopes and dreams of young teens everywhere.  She is smart, funny and doubts herself all at the same time.

When Alex decides to take up the bass to be in a rock band, she learns that she has to keep her nails short, deal with groupies, hours of practice and being true to herself.  The book has adorable drawings and at the end, the author has a chapter on how to start your own rock band while staying true to yourself.  Raskin also points out the issues of alcohol and drug abuse in such a way to give kids the strength to say no.

I received this book from the publisher at no expense for my honest review.  This book doesn't come out until June, but I feel it is such an important book for teen girls, the word need to be spread now!

Waiting on Wednesday: My Misadventures as a Teenage Rock Star by Joyce Raskin

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Description

Fourteen-year-old Alex is a short, pasty, shy, greasy haired, kid with a face full of acne. The kids in her middle school call her zit fit. She looks like she is ten. One day her brother gets the bright idea she should play bass in a rock band. WHAT??? Alex can barely snap her fingers, much less play an instrument.

At first her notes just sound like farts. But as she practises...and practises...slowly they begin to sound less like farts and more like real music. Something else is happening, too. The better Alex gets on the bass, the more self-confident she's becoming. No more Geek Girl. Alex is Cool Rocker Chick now!

But unfortunately, Alex is going to find out being a Cool Rocker Chick isn’t always so great.

About the Author

Joyce Raskin started playing guitar and bass when she was a young teen. She continued playing until, after graduating from RISD, she joined the rock band Scarce. Scarce signed with a major record label and was set to release its first album when the lead singer suffered a brain hemmorage. Luckily, he survived, but the band could not. Ten years later, Joyce self-published a book about her experiences in the band entitled Aching to Be. She has since gone on to become a designer of children's books. She lives in Braintree, MA, with her family.

An aside, Scarce has since gotten back together and can be seen playing in Boston, Providence, and New York City, along with many other places around the world. In their last issue of 2009, Spin Magazine named Scarce one of the top 50 bands you should know but probably don't. Scarce's new album is releasing in the spring of 2010.

You can check out more about Joyce and Scarce on facebook, twitter, ilike, reverbnation, lastfm and myspace.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Graphia (June 13, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0547393113
• ISBN-13: 978-0547393117

This is a really different pick for me this week. It is a graphic, young adult novel.  I have started to read more graphic novels and I am really enjoying them.  I do get lost in the pictures though.