The First Rule of Punk

This vibrant middle-grade novel introduces Malú, a fiercely individualistic twelve-year-old who prefers punk rock to fitting in. After a reluctant move to Chicago with her Mexican-American mother, Malú faces the daunting task of starting seventh grade in a new city. She quickly clashes with school rules and the popular crowd, but finds her true calling and a sense of belonging by forming a punk band with a group of like-minded friends. The story explores themes of identity, cultural heritage, friendship, and the courage to be yourself, all set against the backdrop of a lively middle school experience. It's a celebration of creative expression and finding your own community.

Twelve-year-old María Luisa O'Neill-Morales (who really prefers to be called Malú) reluctantly moves with her Mexican-American mother to Chicago and starts seventh grade with a bang--violating the dress code with her punk rock aesthetic and spurning the middle school's most popular girl in favor of starting a band with a group of like-minded weirdos.