Punkzilla

Rapp, A. (2009). Punkzilla. Somerville, Mass. : Candlewick Press. Jamie, aka Punkzilla, went AWOL from a military academy in Oregon where he was sent by his parents for disruptive and criminal behaviors. He spends five months living on the streets of Portland, Oregon stealing and being exposed to all the sexual and drug activity. Jamie receives a message that his older brother Peter is dying of cancer. His brother Peter was disowned by his family for being gay. Jamie takes a Greyhound to Memphis, Tennessee to see his brother and ends up meeting many weird people and new conflicts. Along the way, Jamie writes letters to Peter sharing his thoughts and feelings about himself, their parents, drug use, being able to understand him Peter, his life on the streets, and ideas. He planned on sharing his adventures and trials with his loving brother Peter, but he arrived too late. At his arrival in Memphis, he finds his brother comatose and passing. Punkzilla couldn’t believe that he didn’t arrive on time to share his thoughts and feelings with the brother that loved him unconditionally. Peter ends up being raised by Peter’s partner who loves and accepts him for who he is. Jamie’s adolescent behaviors of running off and finding yourself in implications such as drug use and sexual acts helped him to grow and understand that he was searching for love and compassion from a loved one. Jamie’s only hope was to find a safe haven and the military academy was not the right place. He had so many questions about himself and no one to turn to. At the end, he realizes the reason his brother left and finding a community to accept you and love you for who you are will help you thrive in the world. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_LY6OFvOag