• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

Jeremy's band is hot—really hot.

Thunderbowl is on the way up and they have had their first big break—a long-term gig at a local bar. The only problem is that while Jeremy should be doing his homework and keeping up in school, he is spending most nights in a rowdy club, trying to keep the band together while his life is falling apart. Trying to balance his dreams of success with the hard realities of the music business, Jeremy is forced to make some tough choices.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! Available in Spanish as Los Pandemónium.

No one has a clearer view of Atlantic Canada's literary endeavours over the past twenty years than Lesley Choyce. He is the founder of the literary journal Pottersfield Portfolio, and the publisher of Pottersfield Press. He has edited several fiction anthologies and has been the in-house editor of many books from Pottersfield Press including Making Waves, a collection of stories by emerging authors from Atlantic Canada. He is the author of more than fifty books in genres ranging from poetry and essays to autobiography, history and fiction for adults, young adults, and children. Among his recent books are the novels The Republic of Nothing, World Enough, and Cold Clear Morning, and the story collection Dance the Rocks Ashore. Choyce is the writer, host, and co-producer of the popular literary show television program, Off the Page with Lesley Choyce, which is broadcast across the country on Vision TV. He also teaches in the English department of Dalhousie University in Halifax and is leader of the rock band The Surf Poets.

Lesley Choyce's profile page

• Commended, Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Our Choice, starred selection
• Short-listed, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Quick Picks
• Commended, Resource Links, The Year's Best Books

"Choyce creates a book in which the plot starts quickly and the reader is instantly attached to the main character...Any teacher or librarian who works with reluctant readers should definitely include this book."

VOYA

"Jeremy is a believable and multidimensional character - mature, thoughtful and not always predictable in his actions...The power of the story lies in the depiction of a young man making his own decisions and taking responsibility for the consequences."

CM Magazine

"The story line is well peppered with tension and action. The subject matter and brusque style of presentation may also help to invite teen readers to turn off the rock music and pick up the book. Recommended."

Canadian Book Review Annual

"This book would certainly appeal to teenagers. The language is inviting without being intimidating. Jeremy's voice rings true as it highlights his passion for music...The story deals with teenage angst without being corny or superficial."

Resource Links