Punkzilla

Rapp, Adam. (2010). Punkzilla. Candlewick. Jamie, who is also Punkzilla for his love of Punk music, is a runaway at the age of 14. He is living in Portland, Organ after leaving military school. His older brother, Peter or P, is dying of cancer at the young age of 27. Peter is gay and thus is just as much of an outcast from his family as the juvenile delinquent Jamie.  Their parents are straight laced and neither boy fits with that picture. Jamie is trying to reach his brother in Tennessee and encounters many along the way in gross motels and the greyhound.   He meets some interesting characters along the way including a pedophile, a transvestite and others as well.  The story is told thought letters from Jamie and different family members including his brother. I did not connect with this story as much as I thought I might. I would argue that this is really only for a young adult not a tween or young teen. The interesting part of this boy who acts so tough and thinks interesting thoughts about women is that he looks more like a girl, very soft features. While it is not the main theme in the story, Jamie has to adapt to his physical body as he navigates the streets and underground to find his brother. This understanding of himself offers up a good talking point with students about youthful looks and limitations. It might be part of why he acts overly aggressive.