Born to Rock by Gordon Korman receives praise for its humor, engaging plot, and relatable characters. Readers appreciate the coming-of-age themes and the author's witty writing style. However, some find the story predictable and feel the secondary characters lack depth. Overall, it's lauded as an entertaining read for young adults.

Born to Rock by Gordon Korman will captivate readers who enjoy humorous and heartfelt coming-of-age stories. Fans of novels like Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick and Son of the Mob by Korman himself will appreciate the blend of comedy, rebellion, and the journey of self-discovery wrapped in a rock 'n' roll setting.

In Gordon Korman’s Born to Rock, high school senior Leo Caraway, a dedicated Republican with visions of attending Harvard, discovers that his biological father is King Maggot, the infamous frontman of the punk band Purge. In an attempt to secure funds for his tuition, Leo joins the band's summer tour, navigating the turbulent punk scene while undergoing a profound journey of self-discovery and exploring his roots.

Humorous / Adventurous / Upbeat / Playful / Heartwarming

- Born to Rock showcases Gordon Korman's flair for blending humor with the world of rock and roll, drawing readers into a vibrant depiction of an unconventional musical journey.
- Gordon Korman wrote Born to Rock with the intent to explore themes of identity and belonging, providing witty and engaging storytelling that appeals to both young adults and adults.
- The novel highlights Korman's ability to craft unique characters, including a protagonist whose life takes an unexpected turn, capturing readers' imagination with an entertaining twist on the classic coming-of-age tale.

**Leo Caraway**  
The first-person narrator and protagonist who starts as the president of his high school’s Young Republicans, aiming for a future at Harvard. Leo's life changes when he encounters new revelations about his family and identity.

**Melinda Rapaport**  
Leo’s oldest friend, known for her goth attire and passion for punk and metal music. She acts as a foil to Leo and shares a deep personal history with him.

**King Maggot**  
The frontman of the legendary punk band Purge, known for his wild past and enigmatic personality. King is a significant figure in Leo’s quest to understand his familial connections.

**Bernie McMurphy**  
King Maggot's cousin and the manager of Purge, who initially seems welcoming to Leo. Bernie’s behavior and actions create tension in Leo's world.

Gordon Korman

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Born to Rock reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Born to Rock | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Born to Rock and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Born to Rock Summary

Background

Born to Rock Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 6

Born to Rock Prologue-Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-11

Born to Rock Chapters 7-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-18

Born to Rock Chapters 12-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-23

Born to Rock Chapters 19-23 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Born to Rock Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Born to Rock Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Born to Rock Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Born to Rock Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Born to Rock Essay Topics

Born to Rock

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Born to Rock?

Reading Age

Book Details