YA Review: Gordon Korman's Born to Rock

When Leo Caraway was 11 he discovered that the name of the father listed on his birth certificate (Marion Xavier McMurphy) isn't the same man who has raised him.  When he's 18 and about to graduate high school (and go to Harvard on a full-ride scholarship), he discovers by accident the significance of who his biological father is: King Maggot, the most infamous punk rock bad boy on the planet.  Leo is wrongfully accused of cheating, loses his scholarship, and in a desperate attempt to get the money for Harvard hits the road with his real dad--King Maggot-- on a reunion tour as a roadie.  The book examines relationships and values between father and son, among friends, and in a budding relationship between Alex and a 'goth girl' Alex suddenly realizes is beautiful.  This is a funny story that everyone-- from Young Republicans to Goth Punkers-- might enjoy.  It's a laugh out loud read that was nominated for the 2009 Missouri Gateway Reader's Award.  I recommend this one to high school boys mostly, but girls enjoy it as well.