73 pages 2 hours read

Celia C. Perez

The First Rule of Punk

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2017

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Chapters 23-28Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 23 Summary

The next day, at Calaca, Malú reveals her idea to the band: “[W]e’re throwing an anti-Fall Fiesta talent show” (194). Joe likes the idea, but both Benny and Ellie are skeptical and worried they’ll get in trouble. Malú convinces them to do it, and the group decides to change the name of their anti-talent show to the “Alterna-Fiesta talent show” (196). That night, Malú gets the idea to do a punk cover of a Lola Beltrán song.

Chapter 24 Summary

At school the next day, Malú and Joe have a candy necklace thrown at them by Selena and her friends. Joe tosses it back at Selena. Selena mocks Joe and Malú, saying they have a crush on one another. Later, at home, Malú’s mom says that she’s noticed that Malú and Joe are spending a lot of time together.

At band practice, Malú brings up the idea of covering a Lola Beltrán song. She’s convinced the group will dislike the idea, but everyone’s into it. Malú is concerned about singing in Spanish.

The chapter concludes with an eight-page zine titled “Music” that details the reasons for Malú's love of song. Included among these reasons is that “lately music has made [her] feel more connected to the Mexican part of [her]” (211).

Related Titles

By Celia C. Perez