Secret Rules to Being a Rockstar
What’s inside...
An immersive journey into the life of a young aspiring musician, Kyla Bell, who navigates the complexities of fame, friendship, and personal growth while striving to become a rockstar. After being invited to join her favorite band, Glitter Tears, Kyla drops out of high school and moves to Los Angeles to undergo 'rock star boot camp' with a renowned producer. Amidst the backdrop of the 90s music scene in Los Angeles, she is blindsided by her emerging feelings for the band's frontwoman, Ruby Sky. Throughout the novel, Kyla encounters various challenges and learns valuable lessons about the music industry and herself.
Age
14-18
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes someone a great rockstar?
How did the characters in the book show creativity and passion for music?
What are some challenges the characters faced and how did they overcome them?
What did you learn about working with others to achieve a dream?
If you were a rockstar, what would be your secret rule to success?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on the story by asking them about their favorite part and why they liked it.
Discuss the traits of the characters in the book that made them successful and link these traits to real-life scenarios your child might relate to.
Ask your child to think about a time they faced a challenge and how they overcame it, connecting it to the experiences of the characters.
Inspire creativity by asking your child to think of their own 'secret rule' to being successful at something they love doing.
Foster a deeper connection by sharing your own experiences related to music or teamwork, and relate those experiences to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-expression is key to personal growth
Explanation: The protagonist showcases their journey to becoming a rockstar, highlighting the need for self-expression through music and performance.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and express their feelings and ideas through various forms of art such as drawing, dancing, or playing a musical instrument.
Example Lesson: Perseverance leads to success
Explanation: Throughout the book, challenges are faced by the budding rockstar, demonstrating that setbacks are a part of any journey and persistence is crucial.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of continuing to try in the face of difficulties, whether it's learning a new skill or completing a challenging school project.
Example Lesson: Collaboration enhances creativity
Explanation: The story illustrates the formation of a band and how working together brings diverse talents to create something unique and beautiful.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to work cooperatively in team settings, appreciating others' input and experiencing how collaboration can lead to better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Respect for others’ talents and abilities
Explanation: As the characters interact and form a band, respect for each individual's unique contributions is a key theme.
Real-World Application: This can translate directly to respecting peers' different abilities in school or in sports, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of goal-setting
Explanation: The main character sets a clear goal to become a rockstar, which guides their actions and decisions throughout the book.
Real-World Application: Children can be guided to set their own realistic goals and follow through, teaching them the value of planning and determination in achieving their objectives.