Born to Rock
by Gordon Korman
About the book:
Leo Caraway is on the fast track to six figures: President
of the Young Republicans, 4.0 GPA and an early acceptance to Harvard. Then he
learns that his biological father is none other than Marion X. McMurphy, aka
King Maggot, the lead singer of Purge, the most popular, destructive punk rock
band ever. When an unfair cheating accusation gets his scholarship pulled, Leo
ends up as a roadie for the band trying to get tuition money for Harvard. Can he
get King Maggot to pony up for his tuition? But life on tour is wilder than
imagined and before the summer ends he will discover the truth about his best
friend, his real father and even himself.
About the guide:
This guide includes
discussion questions and projects intended to extend the use of the novel into
classrooms, book clubs, and literature circles. It should promote discussion on
the themes of the novel including friendship, music, parenthood, and identity.
Discussion Guide:
- Describe Melinda. Why
does she have so much influence on Leo? What does she get him to do that leads
to trouble? Do you know anyone who can get you to do things you don’t want to
do?
- Explain what happened
during the infamous cheating incident. What does Leo suspect is behind the
accusation? What would you have done? How prevalent is cheating in your
school?
- How does Leo first
learn of his paternity? Why does this offend him? How does his mom react to
his questions? Why? Would you look for your parent if in the same situation?
- How does Leo end up on
tour with Purge? In his situation, would you want to go? Why or why not? What
are his motivations? Is it fair to expect King Maggot to pay for his college?
Why or why not?
- Describe the concert
atmosphere. Leo says, “The life of a rock band on tour was like boot camp.”
(p130) Why?
- Why is King arrested in
Phoenix? What does Melinda do? Do members of Purge really care about each
other or not? Support your answer.
- What is KafkaDreams?
Why doesn’t Leo admit he knows about it? Do you read any blogs? Whose? Why?
How do you think blogs will change over time? Do you think Leo will
ever admit to Melinda he knows?
- What causes the cavity search? Whose fault is it? How
does it change the summer? Do you think Leo will tell his parents? Melinda?
- How do things change between Leo and Melinda through the
course of the novel? Do you think their long distance relationship will work?
Can a Punk-Goth and a Republican make it long term? Why or why not?
- Why does Leo not ask King for the money for Harvard?
Would you have asked? What does King do to Mr. Borman? Does King know the
truth? What does he offer to do? What does it mean to be a parent?
Projects:
Language Arts:
Create a blog that Leo posts about his travels with Purge.
Add at least five entries about his experiences.
Math:
Research the big business of the music industry. What does
the average rocker earn? What is a royalty? How much do agents, managers, and
roadies make? How much does it cost to create an album and get it to market?
What is the profit margin on concert tours?
Music:
Listen to vintage punk rock bands and write a brief journal
about your response.
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