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Born to Rock
Born to rock cover.gif
Author Gordon Korman
Country Canada Canada
Language English
Publisher Hyperion
Publication date
March 28, 2006
Published in English
March 28, 2006
Pages 272
ISBN 978-0-7868-0920-2

Born to Rock is an exciting novel written by Gordon Korman in 2006. It tells the story of a teenager named Leo Caraway and his unexpected journey into the world of rock music.

About the Book

This book is a fun adventure that explores family, identity, and finding your own path. It was written by Gordon Korman, a popular Canadian author known for his humorous and relatable stories for young readers.

Who is Leo Caraway?

The main character is 18-year-old Leo Caraway. He is a very organized and responsible student. Leo is part of a school group called the "Young Republicans." This group is for students interested in politics and government. They often discuss ideas about how the country should be run.

An Unexpected Discovery

Leo's life takes a huge turn when he learns a big secret. The man he always thought was his dad is not his biological father. Instead, his real father is a famous punk rock musician named King Maggot! King Maggot's real name is Marion X. McMurphy. This news completely changes Leo's plans for the future.

A Scholarship Problem

Leo had a scholarship to attend Harvard University, a very famous school. However, his scholarship was taken away. This happened because of a misunderstanding when he tried to help a classmate. With his college plans now uncertain, Leo needs to find a way to pay for his education.

Joining the Band

To solve his problem, Leo decides to join King Maggot's band, Purge. He doesn't join as a musician, but as a "roadie." A roadie is someone who helps a band set up their equipment, manage their gear, and travel with them on tour. Leo hopes that by working for King Maggot, he can convince him to pay for his college tuition.

Adventures on the Road

Working as a roadie is a wild experience for Leo. He goes on many adventures and meets all sorts of interesting people. He learns a lot about the music world and about himself. During his time with the band, Leo discovers even more surprising family secrets.

The Real Story

Later in the book, Leo finds out that King Maggot is not actually his biological father either! His real father is Bernie, a man Leo had always thought was his cousin. Even though King Maggot isn't his dad, he still cares about Leo. He sees that Bernie isn't able to properly support Leo. Because of this, King Maggot decides to help Leo anyway. He pays for Leo's tuition so Leo can go to Harvard University.

Themes in the Story

Born to Rock explores several important themes:

  • Family: It shows that family can be more than just who you're related to by blood. It's also about who cares for you and supports you.
  • Identity: Leo learns about who he is and where he comes from. He also discovers that he can be different from what people expect.
  • Responsibility: The book highlights how characters take responsibility for their actions and for others.
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