Bianca Xunise

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GZLA

PUNK ROCK KARAOKE

April 2024, Viking/Penguin Random House, 256 pp

A debut young adult graphic novel from Ignatz Award-winning and nationally syndicated cartoonist, Bianca Xunise.

When life gives you guitars, smash them!

School is out for summer and Ariel Grace Jones is determined to make it one for the books! Together with their bestie bandmates, Michele and Gael, Ariel believes they’re destined to break into the music industry and out of Chicago’s Southside by singing lead in their garage punk band, Baby Hares.

But before Baby Hares can officially get into the groove, the realities of post grad life start to weigh on this crew of misfits. Ari begins to worry that it’s time to pull the plug on their dreams of making it big.

Just when all hope feels lost, a fellow punk and local icon takes an interest in their talent. It seems like he might be the only one Ariel can rely on as frustrations between bandmates reach at an all-time high.

Punk Rock Karaoke is a coming-of-age tale that draws upon the explosive joy of the underground scene, while raising questions about authenticity, the importance of community and what it means to succeed on your own terms.

STARRED REVIEWS

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY – “a singular and resonant visual experience that will transport readers to a world that challenges the ordinary.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL – “this glimpse into a world of music and friendship will resonate with many readers searching the library for unique stories to fit them”