The girls' guide to rocking

Do you have or know a young adult who's obsessed with music? That's right--the type that when she's not cranking tunes in her room or downloading new songs to her Ipod, she's probably playing Rock Band? Most young adults are in this mindset. I have to admit, when I was in high school, my best friend and I dreamed of being the next hot girl rock band. and I even had the shiny, black bass guitar to prove it until a few years ago when reality slapped me in the face and I finally came to the realization that I wasn't going to be the next Gwen Stefani. But we all need encouragement and you never know, you might possibly have the next Taylor Swift on your hands. So why not put a book in her hands that will fuel her obsession and teach her a thing or two about what it takes to be a rock star--The Girls' Guide to Rocking: How to Start a Band, Book Gigs, and Get Rolling to Rock Stardom. The book has even been praised by the rocker chick of all rocker chicks: Joan Jett-- "For anyone looking to dive in, this book is a great place to start." If that's not enough reason to get this book then I don't know what is.

Hopper takes it from the top introducing the essential elements of a rock band and how each instrument's sound depends on a zillion little factors. Then she talks the reader through finding an instrument, bandmates, songwriting voice, and an audience. There's even a section that teaches you how to use Garageband, and a checklist for your first show.

Hopper's tone is in the usual snappy and humorous rocker fashion, but parents can rest assured that she keeps it clean all the way..."because you're touching it all the time, sweat and grime and little particles of skin (yuck) are going to get on the body, strings, and neck. Over time this can make your guitar a bit gross. Use a cotton t-shirt or a clean cotton rag to polish it from time to time, but don't use a paper towel." Hopper promotes a positive message throughout the book, setting an encouraging tone that you can do anything you set your mind to and it's okay to do things differently: "Just because most rock bands have a guitar-bass-drums setup doesn't mean you can't rock with other instruments."

Young readers are reminded about the importance of protecting their ears and are given tips on how to deal with stage fright. Frankly, I can't even think of a rockin' topic that's not covered in this book. Quotes from Gwen Stefani, Liz Phair, PJ Harvey, and other female rockers will inspire girls and push them toward their rocker dreams. And whether your rocker is just starting out or is knee deep in chords, there's something in this book for them that will give them all the tools necessary to make their dreams come true.

After reading this book, I'm left pondering, "Is it too late for me to get that bass guitar back and call my high school best friend?"

Additional Information:
Author: Jessica Hopper
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company (June 4, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0761151419
ISBN-13: 978-0761151418