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Rules to Rock By
You'd never guess it now, but Annabelle Cabrera used to be a rock star. And not like her mom or dad called her a "total rock star" after she won a spelling bee or something. She was a real rock star, the bassist of Egg Mountain, the most popular band in the New York music scene. But when her parents uproot her from Brooklyn and move her to Rhode Island so they can record their own album, Annabelle feels lost. Starting a new band isn't as easy as she'd hoped, the school's rival band is a bunch of bullies, and her parents are so immersed in recording that they're completely neglecting Annabelle and her younger brother. How can Annabelle truly make herself heard?
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2010
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March 17, 2025What a fun read this was! A totally unexpected gem that almost got the rare five stars from me.
So let's start with why it missed. Two reasons:
1. Every chapter ends with a rule to rock by. They felt artificial, silly, and just weren't my thing. Too much like a device. The rules Ronaldo gave Annabelle were enough.
2. These kids felt more high school aged, and not in middle school.
Now... what worked? Oh, so much. Annabelle's a great narrator. She's fun to spend a book with. In fact, none of the characters, even Jackson, made me cringe when they showed up on the page. I loved the strong adults, the grandmother who lovingly set boundaries, the encouraging teacher, the surrogate father, the mess between Annabelle's parents, her little brother and his issues...
This is a messy story. MESSY. No one has it easy; everyone's got something. And that's what life is. This is what fiction should be. Big, messy, convoluted.
And the story and its different, disparate elements come together and are woven together tightly. I look for that when I edit, and I look for it when I read. This is top-notch writing.
But most of all, I loved the relationships. Every single character has something redeeming about them. No one's petty, even when they could be. Even the kid with the bumblebee shoes gets a name in the end.
Good stuff. Good, good stuff.
So let's start with why it missed. Two reasons:
1. Every chapter ends with a rule to rock by. They felt artificial, silly, and just weren't my thing. Too much like a device. The rules Ronaldo gave Annabelle were enough.
2. These kids felt more high school aged, and not in middle school.
Now... what worked? Oh, so much. Annabelle's a great narrator. She's fun to spend a book with. In fact, none of the characters, even Jackson, made me cringe when they showed up on the page. I loved the strong adults, the grandmother who lovingly set boundaries, the encouraging teacher, the surrogate father, the mess between Annabelle's parents, her little brother and his issues...
This is a messy story. MESSY. No one has it easy; everyone's got something. And that's what life is. This is what fiction should be. Big, messy, convoluted.
And the story and its different, disparate elements come together and are woven together tightly. I look for that when I edit, and I look for it when I read. This is top-notch writing.
But most of all, I loved the relationships. Every single character has something redeeming about them. No one's petty, even when they could be. Even the kid with the bumblebee shoes gets a name in the end.
Good stuff. Good, good stuff.
May 24, 2020
i'm counting this because the last time i read it i was like 10 (found while cleaning my room the other day<3) so i didnt remember anything. pretty funny now that i'm old enough to understand the extreme indie superiority complex it has. a highlight was protag dissing her musician parents' new album by asking what's even the point if it's not their ok computer Like you know what actually yeah i would talk like that if i knew what ok computer was when i was 12 i was pretentious as hell😭😭 also it takes place in providence which is fun now that i actually know the city
October 20, 2010
Annabelle’s parents uproot their family from Brooklyn to Rhode Island to further their musical careers by moving into a house that also contains a recording studio. Belle is not thrilled with this choice, as the band she belongs to in New York City, Egg Mountain, is finally taking off – with recording deals, exciting gigs, and wide-spread interest on the Internet. When she gets to Providence, Belle (unwilling to become a 12-year-old rock-and-roll has-been) decides to start a new band. But her musical dreams are constantly deferred as her parents pile responsibilities on at home in addition to never-ending babysitting duty for her younger brother. Belle gets some good advice from her former band-mates about starting and maintaining a band – but to whom can she turn for advice about her self-absorbed parents?
Inspired by contemporary indie-teen bands, author Josh Farrar draws on his experiences playing in bands as a teenager and the more than 200 songs he has written since then. The “rules to rock by” provided to Belle by Ronaldo, provide a good framework for any youngster interested in the music industry. The descriptions of practices, finding compatible band members, and writing songs ring true.
The descriptions of Belle’s home life are less believable. With a child in a successful up-and-coming New York band, very few parents would jeopardize a budding career with a long distance move – effectively clothes-lining their child’s success for their own selfish pursuits. Belle’s hipster parents are successful musicians with many recordings – being knowledgeable about the industry, they would be able to appreciate Belle’s situation – and would provide more support/opportunity for Belle’s dreams.
The descriptions of bullying are intimidating. Members of a rival Rhode Island band fund their equipment and instruments by shaking down fellow students for money at school. They threaten Belle and her band, and sabotage Belle’s group at a local “battle of the bands.” Most of the characters behave more like high school students than pre-teens/tweens.
Middle grade readers will enjoy the rock and roll backdrop and the lively characters Farrar uses to make Rules to Rock By an entertaining read; it is a good choice for reluctant readers. Annabelle is a strong character and she is quick to learn from her mistakes. I also enjoyed the assignments made by Annabelle’s English teacher – especially the “soundtrack of your life” assignment where Belle must pick songs to fit the highlights of her life and describe each song’s significance in relationship to those points.
Inspired by contemporary indie-teen bands, author Josh Farrar draws on his experiences playing in bands as a teenager and the more than 200 songs he has written since then. The “rules to rock by” provided to Belle by Ronaldo, provide a good framework for any youngster interested in the music industry. The descriptions of practices, finding compatible band members, and writing songs ring true.
The descriptions of Belle’s home life are less believable. With a child in a successful up-and-coming New York band, very few parents would jeopardize a budding career with a long distance move – effectively clothes-lining their child’s success for their own selfish pursuits. Belle’s hipster parents are successful musicians with many recordings – being knowledgeable about the industry, they would be able to appreciate Belle’s situation – and would provide more support/opportunity for Belle’s dreams.
The descriptions of bullying are intimidating. Members of a rival Rhode Island band fund their equipment and instruments by shaking down fellow students for money at school. They threaten Belle and her band, and sabotage Belle’s group at a local “battle of the bands.” Most of the characters behave more like high school students than pre-teens/tweens.
Middle grade readers will enjoy the rock and roll backdrop and the lively characters Farrar uses to make Rules to Rock By an entertaining read; it is a good choice for reluctant readers. Annabelle is a strong character and she is quick to learn from her mistakes. I also enjoyed the assignments made by Annabelle’s English teacher – especially the “soundtrack of your life” assignment where Belle must pick songs to fit the highlights of her life and describe each song’s significance in relationship to those points.
November 10, 2012
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
Playing bass guitar with the kid rock band Egg Mountain is all Annabelle "Belle" wants to do. They have become quite a sensation in New York. Being the kid of two famous indie rock musicians has given her a chance to learn and play with some of the best. Everything in Belle's life is about to change.
Belle's parents are knee-deep in recording a new album, and they've decided they need to get away from all the distractions of the big city. They are moving Belle and her little brother, Xavier, to Providence, Rhode Island. Belle can't believe she'll have to leave behind her band and her Abuela (grandmother) to live in a music studio where her parents will be busy every minute and she'll have no privacy at all.
The living conditions are bad enough, but it's even worse when Belle discovers how horrible Federal Hill Middle School is. The very first day she encounters one of the school's many bullies. They seem to take a special pleasure in shaking down the smaller kids for their lunch money. The only bright light in her terrible first days is Mr. V and his English class. With his help, she might be able to master the art of song writing.
Things are a mess at home. Belle is constantly left with the job of babysitting her brother while their parents work on the new album. Thanks to the group's drummer, who fixes chocolate chip pancakes at least four nights a week, they don't starve, but it's beyond ridiculous, and Belle has had it. All she wants is some time alone so she can work on getting a new band together.
With encouragement from her old band mate, Ronaldo, Belle plugs away at trying to find other musicians in her new school. She discovers a guitar player with some promise, but he only agrees to practice, not actually perform. With his help, they find a keyboard player nicknamed Crackers who not only plays well but also has a terrific voice. Now all that's left is a drummer, but finding someone may be more of a challenge than Belle wants.
RULES TO ROCK BY is the story of drive and determination. Author Josh Farrar introduces readers to Belle, whose love of music pushes her to accomplish her dream. Farrar creates countless obstacles for Belle, but she tackles them all. Middle grade readers will enjoy the rock and roll backdrop and the relatable characters Farrar uses to make RULES TO ROCK BY an entertaining read.
Playing bass guitar with the kid rock band Egg Mountain is all Annabelle "Belle" wants to do. They have become quite a sensation in New York. Being the kid of two famous indie rock musicians has given her a chance to learn and play with some of the best. Everything in Belle's life is about to change.
Belle's parents are knee-deep in recording a new album, and they've decided they need to get away from all the distractions of the big city. They are moving Belle and her little brother, Xavier, to Providence, Rhode Island. Belle can't believe she'll have to leave behind her band and her Abuela (grandmother) to live in a music studio where her parents will be busy every minute and she'll have no privacy at all.
The living conditions are bad enough, but it's even worse when Belle discovers how horrible Federal Hill Middle School is. The very first day she encounters one of the school's many bullies. They seem to take a special pleasure in shaking down the smaller kids for their lunch money. The only bright light in her terrible first days is Mr. V and his English class. With his help, she might be able to master the art of song writing.
Things are a mess at home. Belle is constantly left with the job of babysitting her brother while their parents work on the new album. Thanks to the group's drummer, who fixes chocolate chip pancakes at least four nights a week, they don't starve, but it's beyond ridiculous, and Belle has had it. All she wants is some time alone so she can work on getting a new band together.
With encouragement from her old band mate, Ronaldo, Belle plugs away at trying to find other musicians in her new school. She discovers a guitar player with some promise, but he only agrees to practice, not actually perform. With his help, they find a keyboard player nicknamed Crackers who not only plays well but also has a terrific voice. Now all that's left is a drummer, but finding someone may be more of a challenge than Belle wants.
RULES TO ROCK BY is the story of drive and determination. Author Josh Farrar introduces readers to Belle, whose love of music pushes her to accomplish her dream. Farrar creates countless obstacles for Belle, but she tackles them all. Middle grade readers will enjoy the rock and roll backdrop and the relatable characters Farrar uses to make RULES TO ROCK BY an entertaining read.
July 29, 2010
Final Grade: 96/A
256 pages
YA Contemporary
Recommend to students: A resounding YES!
REVIEW: Oh, I really, really liked this story. Annabelle Cabrera is such a fun character--she's bright, driven and spunky (oh, wait...don't call her spunky, she hates that). And I feel so bad for her at the beginning of the book. She had a really good thing going back in Brooklyn with her grandmother to take care of her while her parents are off doing their band thing. The parents' indie band, Bennie and Joon, is Dad's main focus and Mom's focus is Dad, leaving little room for the kids. This was okay when they lived with their grandmother but not good at all when they're stuck up in Providence, RI. One cannot live on chocolate chip pancakes alone, no matter how tasty.
Plus, and possibly most tragic, Annabelle has no one to rock out with! Back in NY, she was part of an up-and-coming band, one that was going places, one with fans as far away as Japan. But in RI, nothing. She's bound and determined to form her own band, with her as bassist and lead singer, and to write her own songs, too. That's more difficult that she expects, especially with an already-established rock band of 8th graders who also like to beat kids up and steal their lunch money.
The author brings his experience and knowledge of the music scene and of playing music to the story, which adds another dimension to it. I love how into music Annabelle is, how she goes about finding people who feel the same as she does, and how she finds support for her efforts from her ex-bandmate, who gives her the Rules to Rock By.
My only quibble is that these kids seemed older than sixth grade. The sixth graders I taught, especially at the beginning of the year, are more like elementary kids, pretty immature and nowhere as confident as Annabelle and her friends. I saw them more as eighth or ninth graders (which may not sound like a lot but it *really* is, especially in middle school). However, that's just me. I know there are mature 11 and 12 year olds out there but they're few and far between (despite what they think!). But this such a minor thing, it doesn't change the tone or tenor of the story (notice the music reference? heehee).
I'm adding this one to my list of favorite summer reads for 2010 'cause it totally rocks! (Sorry, it had to be said.
256 pages
YA Contemporary
Recommend to students: A resounding YES!
REVIEW: Oh, I really, really liked this story. Annabelle Cabrera is such a fun character--she's bright, driven and spunky (oh, wait...don't call her spunky, she hates that). And I feel so bad for her at the beginning of the book. She had a really good thing going back in Brooklyn with her grandmother to take care of her while her parents are off doing their band thing. The parents' indie band, Bennie and Joon, is Dad's main focus and Mom's focus is Dad, leaving little room for the kids. This was okay when they lived with their grandmother but not good at all when they're stuck up in Providence, RI. One cannot live on chocolate chip pancakes alone, no matter how tasty.
Plus, and possibly most tragic, Annabelle has no one to rock out with! Back in NY, she was part of an up-and-coming band, one that was going places, one with fans as far away as Japan. But in RI, nothing. She's bound and determined to form her own band, with her as bassist and lead singer, and to write her own songs, too. That's more difficult that she expects, especially with an already-established rock band of 8th graders who also like to beat kids up and steal their lunch money.
The author brings his experience and knowledge of the music scene and of playing music to the story, which adds another dimension to it. I love how into music Annabelle is, how she goes about finding people who feel the same as she does, and how she finds support for her efforts from her ex-bandmate, who gives her the Rules to Rock By.
My only quibble is that these kids seemed older than sixth grade. The sixth graders I taught, especially at the beginning of the year, are more like elementary kids, pretty immature and nowhere as confident as Annabelle and her friends. I saw them more as eighth or ninth graders (which may not sound like a lot but it *really* is, especially in middle school). However, that's just me. I know there are mature 11 and 12 year olds out there but they're few and far between (despite what they think!). But this such a minor thing, it doesn't change the tone or tenor of the story (notice the music reference? heehee).
I'm adding this one to my list of favorite summer reads for 2010 'cause it totally rocks! (Sorry, it had to be said.
July 21, 2010
This book is almost pitch perfect. The story line of Annabelle, tween rocker, is a perfect mix of music and word. This should engage that hard to reach target of 10-12 year-olds and especially reluctant readers. I think even their hipster parents will be peeking at the pages of this one. Annabelle finds herself ripped from her hip and happening life and shoved into fending for herself at the age of twelve. She finds herself trapped between wanting to be a child and having to be a grown up since her parents are not parenting her. This part of the story is more reality than you might think. There are a lot of kids pushed into this role as after school care and family support becomes extinct.
Farrar really nailed the voice of Annabelle and how she is trying to do her best, but is really just a kid. I would love to see this story continued. The only flat point for me in the whole book was that the bullying portion was glossed over. I think that arc was necessary for the story to be resolved, but it would have been nice to see the parents actually more involved in resolving it. Then again, sometimes parents aren't paying attention.
Farrar really nailed the voice of Annabelle and how she is trying to do her best, but is really just a kid. I would love to see this story continued. The only flat point for me in the whole book was that the bullying portion was glossed over. I think that arc was necessary for the story to be resolved, but it would have been nice to see the parents actually more involved in resolving it. Then again, sometimes parents aren't paying attention.
December 29, 2010
Ever since I read Total Tragedy Of A Girl Named Hamlet, I’ve been trying to find girl characters I like just as much as Hamlet. I really love Annabelle Cabrara! She is a smart, brave 6th grader thrown into a less than ideal situation. She’s moved away from her friends, her band and her beloved grandmother. She and her brother now live with just their parents. Her parents are indy rockers who spend more time developing songs and albums than spending quality time with their kids. Annabelle is used to being in the limelight, but now she has to build a new band. Annabelle deals with bullies, jealousy of a girl who has a much better voice, and getting her parents to pay attention to her. We watch as Annebelle (with the help of a very cool English teacher) becomes a song writer. Her life isn’t perfect, but with a lot of determination, she makes what was a bad situation, into a pretty good one. The Battle of the Bands where she calls out the bullies is my favorite part. I definitely recommend Rules To Rock By to any tween girl!
August 9, 2011
Bass player Annabelle enjoyed a meteoric rise to rock star status by the age of 12. And before she turned 13, she was back to a life of obscurity. Her musician parents decided to move the family to Providence, Rhode Island, to finish recording their new album because living and recording in Brooklyn had simply gotten too expensive. Never mind that Annabelle had to leave her popular band, Egg Mountain, her friends, and her abuela behind and that her younger brother, Xavier, has become increasingly hyper and out of control since the move. Their parents are oblivious as they spend all their time recording and playing gigs, leaving Annabelle to fend for herself and X while navigating a new middle school, making new friends, trying to avoid the heavy metal band of eighth grade bullies, and recruiting musicians for her own band. Family dysfunction and band dysfunction all collide at a Battle of the Bands, where Annabelle finds she has finally learned how to lead her band as well as write authentic songs. Another fun tie-in to our Summer Reading Program all about music.
March 19, 2014
Annabelle Cabrera's life has been turned upside down when her parents move the family from New York to Providence, Rhode Island to record their next album. In New York, Annabelle was the star of a teen rock group and everyone knew who she was. In Providence, she wants to start her own band and hopes to get back to the height of her last one. The book follows Annabelle's journey to create her own band (with some "rules of rock" from an old friend) through the tumultuous times of being new to a school and also dealing with absentee parents.
This book was refreshing and a nice read. I enjoyed all of the musical references...I mean, Annabelle's parents are musicians, she's a musician...there is certainly an appreciation of music apparent in this novel. I also enjoyed Mr. V, Annabelle's new English teacher and how he continued to push her creativity through fun assignments.
This book was refreshing and a nice read. I enjoyed all of the musical references...I mean, Annabelle's parents are musicians, she's a musician...there is certainly an appreciation of music apparent in this novel. I also enjoyed Mr. V, Annabelle's new English teacher and how he continued to push her creativity through fun assignments.
March 25, 2012
In the end I liked this book. However, it started out rough. The novel is narrated by the protagonist, Annabelle Cabrera; she is 12 years old, in 6th grade, and recently moved from Brooklyn to Providence. I felt as if the author were trying to tell the reader everything about Annabelle's life in the beginning chapters, so she felt flat and voiceless. As the novel unfolded, Annabelle's voice began to get louder. After letting the book sit for a few days before writing the review, I still am not crazy about Annabelle's voice and character. On the one hand, I like that she is a strong female character; on the other, I had trouble remembering she was a girl. I also had trouble remembering she was only supposed to be 12. It's a cute story that sadly I probably won't really remember after a few months.
August 30, 2010
Annabelle's parents are alt rock band Bennie and Joon. After struggling to make ends meet in Brooklyn, NY they decide to move the family to Rhode Island so they can record and make a better life. Too bad it ruins Annabelles life too. Annabelle was a rock star too in the biggest under 18 band in New York called Egg Mountain. Now she's stuck in a middle school where she knows no one, doesn't have a band and has to babysit her little brother ALL THE TIME. This story follows Belle as she tries to put together a band, deals with her parents neglectful behavior and makes new friends at school.
October 5, 2010
Again...read this for a 6th grade book talk. I actually enjoyed this one. Annabelle is forced to move from her home in Brooklyn to a new one in Rhode Island, away from her grandmother, her friends and most importantly, her band. Having moved away from my friends and family this past year, I could definitely relate.
Annabelle's main goal is to put together another band - but it isn't as simple as she hopes.
Annabelle's main goal is to put together another band - but it isn't as simple as she hopes.
Currently reading
March 5, 2013I started reading this to review for my 11 year old daughter -- and I am very pleasantly surprised. I typically abhor most contemporary young lit -- and this is excellent. The voice is strong and energetic - not simplified and cutesy. At quick glance , the cover is gender-neutral: this is about a girl! Who loves music, is unhappy at her new school in Prov RI -- will see where it goes from here.
October 22, 2015
Fun rock story about a girl named Annabelle that I imagine to be based on Coco Gordon-Moore / one of the girls from Smoosh. Really liked the family stuff, not so much the bully story, which seemed a little over-the-top.
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August 11, 2010I just couldn't get into it. It will fit some readers well, but not me!
March 6, 2011
A great MG book. I recommended it to 7th and 8th graders. I'm hoping it will end up in my media center soon. If a teacher wants in her school, there's no higher recommendation than that.
August 10, 2011
Good for 6th, in particular. good story. lots of music references. takes place in Providence.
March 22, 2014
I thought It was awesome I want to read more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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