The Stereotypical Freaks

Gr 9 Up—High school seniors Tom and Dan consider themselves a "basement band," but when their school puts on a battle of the bands, they decide to rise to the challenge and invite two more students to join them. As they tentatively welcome Mark and Jacoby into the group, they get to know one another and start to see past their differences. They decide to call the band The Stereotypical Freaks because they feel that when people look at them, they see a "smart kid, geek, star athlete, and quiet weirdo." Gradually, the story moves from Breakfast Club mode (kids form friendships and learn to see past their preconceptions) into something deeper (kids face a big crisis that puts their everyday problems into perspective). The book includes a playlist of recommended songs for each chapter by such varied musical performers as Bob Dylan, Soul Asylum, Rush, the Who, Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen, Green Day, and the Beatles. While the cover of this book is illustrated in full color, the pages are filled with black-and-white illustrations that look raw and unpolished but are filled with energy. A good choice for reluctant readers and music fans.—Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library