Gordon Korman

Conservative, slightly uptight Leo finally finds out who his biological father is — his name is Maggot and he’s the lead singer of an old punk band that’s headed back on the road. Leo joins them to earn money and get to know how on earth this man could be his father.

Cap (short for Capricorn) Anderson is at a bit of a cultural disadvantage when he arrives at Claverage (aka C average) Middle School. He’s been raised, homeschooled, and protected by his grandmother Rain at an isolated and deserted 1960s farm commune. But when Rain is hospitalized, Cap is sent to live in civilization (with his social worker) and to public school. At school, his innocence exposed to all the corruption Rain has been protecting from, Cap’s flower power starts to blossom in others.

Vince’s family is wealthy, while his new girlfriend is solidly middle class. But the bigger problem is Vince’s father is a mob boss, and his girlfriend’s father works for the FBI. Filled with colorful characters, this book is perfect for reluctant readers.