Beige

In Cecil Castellucci's 'Beige,' fourteen-year-old Katy, a self-described 'beige' Canadian girl, is sent to spend the summer with her estranged father, 'the Rat,' a recovering addict and punk rock drummer in Los Angeles. Feeling abandoned by her mother, Katy is thrust into a chaotic world of music, new friends, and unconventional family. The novel explores themes of self-discovery, navigating complex parent-child relationships, and finding belonging amidst an unfamiliar subculture. It's a humorous and poignant journey for teens aged 12-18, offering a relatable portrayal of a young person finding their voice and identity.

"Castellucci mixes details of the L.A. punk scene with memorable characters and witty dialogue. . . . Consider this pure Nirvana." -- BOOKLIST Exiled from Canada to Los Angeles, Katy can't believe she is spending the summer with her father--punk name: the Rat--a recovered addict and drummer for the band Suck. Even though Katy feels abandoned by her mom, even though the Rat's place is a mess and he's not like anything she'd call a father, Kathy won't make a fuss. After all, she is a girl who is quiet and polite, a girl who smiles, a girl who is, well, beige. Or is she? From the author of BOY PROOF and THE QUEEN OF COOL comes an edgy L.A. novel full of humor, heart, and music.