The First Rule of Punk

Celia C. Pérez

What's The Story?

A 2018 Pura Belpré Author Honor Book, The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez is an energetic, heart-on-its-sleeve romp through middle school life, identity crises, and—of course—punk rock rebellion.

When twelve-year-old Malú (never María Luisa, unless you're trying to irritate her) walks into Posada Middle School, she’s armed with killer zines, punk attitude, and zero patience for rules. By day one, she’s managed to anger the school’s reigning queen bee, break the dress code with her punk flair, and leave her mom (a college professor) rolling her eyes. If there’s a masterclass in "How Not to Fit In," Malú is acing it.

But hey, her dad says everything’s easier if she remembers the first rule of punk: be yourself. Easier said than done when your tastes veer from Soyrizo (sans cilantro, obviously) to loud, unapologetic rock music. But when Malú finds a band of misfit friends and starts a band at school, she begins to carve out her own space in the world. Standing up to the school’s anti-punk administration becomes her latest mission as she fights to protect her right to express herself—loud, proud, and in full punk regalia.

Packed with black-and-white illustrations and Malú's iconic zines, The First Rule of Punk is more than just a book—it’s a rebellious anthem for anyone who’s ever felt out of place. Fans of Roller Girl and Rookie magazine will feel right at home in this quirky, relatable, and punk-filled tale​.

Awards

Select Awards

  • A 2018 Pura Belpré Author Honor Book
  • A 2018 ALSC Notable Children’s Book
  • A 2018 Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award Winner
  • A 2017 ABA Indies Introduce Title
  • A Kids’ Indie Next List Pick
  • An E.B. White Read-Aloud Middle Reader Award finalist
  • A 2018 Boston Globe-Horn Book Fiction and Poetry Honor Book
  • An Amelia Bloomer List Book
  • CCBC Choices 2018
  • A 2018 Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
  • A Junior Library Guild Selection
  • NPR Best Books of 2017 
  • Kirkus Reviews Best Fiction of 2017
  • School Library Journal Best Books of 2017

Editorials

★ On StoryGraph, The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, especially for its relatable portrayal of middle school struggles, identity exploration, and creative expression through punk culture and zines. Readers appreciate Malú, the protagonist, for being a well-developed and lovable character who navigates the challenges of fitting in while staying true to herself. The inclusion of zines is frequently praised for adding depth and encouraging creativity. Many reviewers highlight the book's ability to inspire both younger and older readers, with its focus on identity, cultural heritage (particularly Malú’s Mexican-American background), and the importance of being yourself. While some note that the pacing can occasionally slow down, the charm and authenticity of the characters compensate for this. Several readers recommend the book for its diverse representation and its potential to encourage personal expression and rebellion in a positive way​

★ "A charming debut about a thoughtful, creative preteen connecting to both halves of her identity."
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Those who enjoy vivacious, plucky heroines... will eagerly embrace Malu."
—School Library Journal, starred review

★ "Pérez’s debut is as exuberant as its heroine... A rowdy reminder that people are at their best when they aren’t forced into neat, tidy boxes."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "A voice that is equal parts witty and sharp."
—Bustle.com

About the Author

About the Author

Celia C. Pérez is the author of The First Rule of Punk, a 2018 Pura Belpré Author Honor Book; Strange Birds, a 2020 Rise: A Feminist Book Project List Selection; andTumble, which received six starred reviews and is an NPR Best Book of 2022. Celia is a longtime maker of zines inspired by her love of punk music and writing. Her favorite zine supplies are a long-arm stapler, glue sticks, and watercolor pencils. She'll never stop picking cilantro out of her food at restaurants, and she owns two sets of worry dolls because you can never have too many. Originally from Miami, Florida, Celia lives in Chicago with her family where she works as a community college librarian.
Hardcover
$4.50 USD $17.99

Genre:

  • Realistic Fiction

Diverse Voices:

  • Latinx/Latine

Curricular Connection:

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