In Celia C. Pérez's The First Rule of Punk, 12-year-old Malú moves from Florida to Chicago with her mother for a new teaching job, struggling to balance her punk identity with her Mexican heritage. At her new school, she forms a band called the Co-Co’s, encountering challenges that include a dress-code violation and exclusion from a school event, leading to the creation of an alternative anti-talent show. Sensitive language is used in the novel.

The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Perez is an engaging and culturally rich novel that captures the essence of a young punk rocker navigating middle school challenges. Reviews commend its authentic voice, relatable protagonist, and incorporation of Mexican-American heritage. Some critique revolves around predictable plot elements, but overall, it's a heartwarming and vibrant read.

The ideal reader of Celia C. Perez's The First Rule of Punk is a middle-grade student interested in themes of identity, self-expression, and cultural heritage. Fans of R.J. Palacio's Wonder and Kelly Yang's Front Desk will appreciate this engaging, emotionally resonant story woven with punk rock attitude and DIY spirit.

Hopeful / Inspirational / Humorous / Heartwarming

- The First Rule of Punk was a 2018 Pura Belpré Author Honor book, recognized for its work portraying Latino cultural experiences authentically and engagingly.
- The book's protagonist, Malú, is partly inspired by Celia C. Pérez's own experiences growing up as a first-generation Mexican-American child.
- Celia C. Pérez incorporates her love of zines and punk music into the story, bringing an authentic punk DIY ethos to the narrative and its presentation.

**Malú/María Luisa O’Neill-Morales**  
A 12-year-old girl with a punk aesthetic, navigating her identity between her Mexican American heritage and her love for punk rock after moving from Gainesville, Florida, to Chicago.

**Malú’s Mom**  
A university professor teaching Chicano Literature in Chicago, who balances being a responsible parent while supporting Malú's journey toward self-identity.

**Malú’s Dad**  
The owner of Spins & Needles Records in Florida, where he serves as a comforting figure for Malú amid their geographical separation.

**Joe Hidalgo**  
A classmate of Malú's at Posada Middle School, a musically talented individual who plays guitar in the school band and shares Malú's interest in punk rock.

**Selena Ramirez**  
Malú's classmate and the novel's antagonist, who embraces her Mexican heritage and belongs to a mainstream-oriented clique at school.

**Oralia Bernal**  
Joe's grandmother and a neighbor to Malú, who offers guidance and introduces Malú to cultural influences that enrich her identity.

**Mrs. Ana Hidalgo**  
Joe's mother, who owns Calaca Coffee and becomes a significant role model for Malú by exemplifying a blend of punk rock and Mexican heritage.

**Benny**  
A musically talented classmate of Malú's, who performs in the school band, willing to switch instruments to support the band's needs.

**Ellie**  
A Posada Middle School student and overachiever who joins Malú's band as a drummer, despite having no prior experience with instruments.

Celia C. Perez

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

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content

Overview

Get ready to explore The First Rule of Punk  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.

The First Rule of Punk  Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

The First Rule of Punk  Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-11

The First Rule of Punk  Chapters 5-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-17

The First Rule of Punk  Chapters 12-17 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 18-22

The First Rule of Punk  Chapters 18-22 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 23-28

The First Rule of Punk  Chapters 23-28 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 29-32

The First Rule of Punk  Chapters 29-32 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 33-39

The First Rule of Punk  Chapters 33-39 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The First Rule of Punk  Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The First Rule of Punk  Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The First Rule of Punk  Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The First Rule of Punk  Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The First Rule of Punk  Essay Topics

Teacher Introduction

The First Rule of Punk  Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

The First Rule of Punk  Before Reading

During Reading

The First Rule of Punk  During Reading

After Reading

The First Rule of Punk  After Reading

The First Rule of Punk

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The First Rule of Punk ?

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