The New Punk

by Zev Lawson Edwards

Once upon a time . . . in the city of Detroit

In the heart of Detroit, America’s most neglected city, lies Desolation Row, an all-boys orphanage. Abandoned by society, the orphans of Desolation Row find hope and salvation in their leader, Teenage Wasteland, T.W. for short, a self-proclaimed anarchist. Through his stalwart leadership they do whatever is necessary to prevent adoption, putting faith in The Cause, creating their own whimsical world, sticking it to The Man, and resorting to revolution if all else fails. But with the arrival of a new recruit and the intrusion of a corrupt mayor, their world is about to be turned upside down. Can they overcome the odds, keep their autonomy intact, or is the city of Detroit just no place for a street fighting orphan? Comical and touching, The New Punk explores the age old question of where does an outsider fit in when they don’t fit in anywhere at all? The answer is Desolation Row.

420 pages, Paperback

First published June 23, 2015

About the author

Born and raised in Northern Michigan, Zev Lawson Edwards has lived and taught in Australia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. THE NEW PUNK (under a million copies sold worldwide), a whimsical and humorous YA adventure about an orphanage in Detroit where the orphans sabotage adoption. You can follow/stalk him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or wherever you get your social media fix.

Reviews

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smart, charismatic, and entertaining, The New Punk takes the reader to another world where imagination and determination can power your dreams and fuel your deepest ambitions. This story made me laugh out loud and cheer for the underdog - an army of eccentric misfits. I thoroughly enjoyed the charm of each character and the quick-witted dialog that carries the story thru both heartfelt, earnest moments and action-filled crusades. Above and beyond the amusement, the lessons woven through the book felt empowering and reflective. A winner for both young adults and the young at heart.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the perfect start to a summer reading list. Funny, charismatic, lovable characters tied with a great plot that keeps you guessing, The New Punks was a quick and enjoyable read. I laughed (a lot), got mad, rooted for the underdog and got the vengeance I was craving. Pickles, Ray Charles, Squirrel, and all the rest simply cracked me up and I find myself thinking about those guys even though the book has ended. To start a revolution this book is a great beginning!

[Laura Wilson-Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains just about everything you want in a read; humorous, smart and purposeful. He speaks to a generation that celebrates individuality and nonconformity and all with an unmatched sense of sharp wit.

[Zoe Jussel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the oddness of this book and its characters, albeit quite the fantasy tale. The only negative is that after chapter and chapter of the "cuteness" of names, situations, bumbling and problem solving at the orphanage, it gets a bit tedious, but a fun ride for sure.

[B. A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorably creative and captivating from the start. The pace is perfectly timed, releasing new information and twists throughout. I still have Ray Charles, adjusting his binoculars, sitting in the corner of my mind.