Struggling at home and at school, Duncan decides to try out for a local rock band. He plays the bass in the school orchestra, but it is a long way from band camp to rock star. Joining a heavy-metal band, he tries to fit in, dumping his old friends and trying to walk the walk. When his dad's new girlfriend starts to teach him about real rock music and introduces him to her musician brother, Duncan discovers that there is more to being a guitar hero than playing in a heavy-metal band.

Adrian Chamberlain is an award-winning arts writer for the Victoria Times Colonist, the daily newspaper in Victoria, BC. Raised on Gabriola Island, he has a bachelor of arts degree in English from the University of Victoria and a master of arts degree in journalism from the University of Victoria. He has won three BC Newspaper Awards for arts writing. In 2005 his short story, Temple Baptist, 1973, was a winner in Monday Magazine’s summer fiction contest.

Adrian Chamberlain's profile page

• Commended, American Library Association (ALA) Popular Paperback for Young Adults
• Commended, TriState Young Adult Book Review Committee Book of Note

"The well-plotted story may appeal to reluctant readers."

The Horn Book Guide

"Will strike a chord with aspiring band members...The trials and tribulations of being in a rock band and deciding whether to keep old friends, no matter how geeky, is at the heart of this hi/lo novel. Realistic fiction at its best."

TriState YA Book Review

"The author's own background as an organ player in a soul and rhythm-and-blues band gives this aspect of the novel originality and depth…Recommended."

CM Magazine

"If you know a struggling reader who loves music and instruments, then this is the book for them!...This novel moves very quickly, which will keep young adults interested...[and] as Chamberlain did a great job capturing the teenage voice of his main character, Duncan, I believe young adults will be able to connect with Duncan and, hopefully, learn a valuable lesson about the dangers of changing solely for acceptance."

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