Punkzilla
Grim account of a runaway teen is intense and disturbing.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this contemporary fiction novel offers an intense, graphic portrayal of a runaway teen who abuses drugs and steals with little remorse. Jamie's first-person voice is honest and raw, with lots of cursing. He engages in many risky behaviors, including hitchhiking. The sex and violence are graphic and disturbing at times.
Community Reviews
Perfect for the deep minded teen
Report this review
What's the Story?
Jamie, dubbed "Punkzilla" for his love of punk music, is a "pretty" 14-year-old boy who looks 12. A runaway from military school, he hops a bus to see his gay older brother before he dies of cancer. Along the way, he writes letters to his brother about his experiences on the road, and what led him to go AWOL. After he's jumped in a restroom and robbed of all his money, he's forced to rely on a string of odd strangers to help him get to Memphis in time.
Is It Any Good?
Most teens will be captivated by the book's main character and find much to think about and discuss. In heart-wrenchingly honest, stream-of-consciousness letters, Jamie exposes his tough-but-innocent psyche to his brother, and on one occasion, to his mother (which, sadly, he never mails). Jamie's gritty voice is so authentic, it's easy to see how he manages to charm strangers despite a host of issues, including ADD and drug use. Seen through his eyes, even the most minor (and bizarre) secondary characters populate a fleshed-out world of brief alliances and constant betrayals.
Though the novel ends somewhat hopefully, this doesn't feel like the coming-of-age story that one expects because Jamie never really grows from his experiences.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Jamie's use of letters to tell his story. Would the novel be different if Jamie wrote emails or instant messages instead?
How does this old-fashioned means of communication meld with its very contemporary 2008 setting?
Book Details
- Author: Adam Rapp
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Candlewick Press
- Publication date: May 12, 2009
- Number of pages: 256
- Last updated: July 9, 2015
Our Editors Recommend
-
Runaway
Homeless at 12; a poignant read for mature teens.
-
Solace of the Road
Beautiful, gritty, and hopeful runaway teen story.
-
The Catcher in the Rye
One of the greatest novels of the 20th century.
For kids who love coming of age stories
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate