Secrets of a Rebel Rock Star
by Nat Amoore
Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 9+
Published by Rock the Boat, 2023
About this book
Mac loves music. He plays guitar in the school rock band and often rocks out with his mum, who’s obsessed with rock. His favourite lesson is music with the uber cool Ms Fox. But he has a secret. He loves musicals. He can never tell his mother. Or anyone else. Musicals aren’t cool, are they?
But when the arts programme at school is going to be cut, and his favourite teacher out of a job, Mac knows he has to do something. And when he lets slip his knowledge of musicals, he’s invited to a secret musicals appreciation society, where he meets Flynn. Flynn is a year older, he writes amazing music and he has various physical and verbal tics, due to his Tourette’s. Together, can Mac and Flynn write a musical to save Ms Fox?
This is a brilliant story about true friendship, the importance of the arts, and the astounding things a community can do when it pulls together. Written with guidance from someone with Tourette’s, this gives a clear-eyed view of the potential challenges Tourette’s brings, and information on how it can differ from person to person. Importantly, Flynn is far more than his Tourette’s. Uplifting and heart-warming.
More books like this
-
Can You Feel the Noise
by Stewart Foster
9 to 14 years
-
Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire
by Nat Amoore
5 to 14 years
-
Game Over!
by Serena Patel, illustrated by Louise Forshaw
9 to 14 years
-
Alex Abbott is [Un]Dead
by Louise Austin, illustrated by Katie Kear
9 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Books about music for 8+
Music is hugely important in our lives – whether we’re listening or playing an instrument ourselves. Here are some brilliant books that will have readers of 8+ tapping their feet in appreciation.
-
Books about community
As the wonderful Benjamin Zephaniah put it, 'people need people'. Humans thrive in communities. These books celebrate the power of working together towards a goal, and the joy in caring about each other. There are many different communities showcased in this selection.