The Punk Ethic

"Teenager Martin Henry has two things going for him: his snarky sense of humor and his guitar skills. Otherwise, his mother is broke, and he spends most of his social life exchanging sarcastic remarks with his Dumpster-diving friend, Jeff. When a comment from his English teacher prompts Martin to turn his desire to change the world into a reality, he decides to throw a benefit concert to sponsor the removal of old landmines. Now, all he has to do is secure the venue, book the bands, and take care of 100 other details. Meanwhile, there's school to drift through, his postgraduation future to look toward, and an ever-changing relationship with his complex punk rock friend Holly to figure out. Though Decker's (The Letter Home) narrative scope is modest, he nails Martin's conflicted, passionate, frustrated voice through dialogue and interior monologues. As Martin navigates his desire to be mindful in an often confusing and apathetic world, readers can almost hear the music. Quirky illustrations bring a gritty graphic element to this realistic coming-of-age story about learning who you are by doing what you love. Ages 12 — up. (May)" Publishers Weekly Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.