The First Rule of Punk

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

CHAPTERS 1-4

Reading Check

1. From whom did Malú inherit her love of punk?

2. What is the nickname Malú has for her mother?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Malú say it’s a bad sign when her mom starts knitting?

Paired Resource

“How To Make a Zine”

• This article explains how to make a zine with step-by-step instructions and examples.
• This resource connects to the theme of Zines/Collage: The Visual’s Place in the Textual.
• How do you think that making zines helps Malú to express herself?

CHAPTERS 5-11

Reading Check

1. What is the name of the girl who is unkind to Malú on the first day of school?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Describe the outfit Malú wore on the first day of school.

2. Why did Ms. Hernandez ask Malú to go to the auditorium on the first day?

Paired Resource

“Why The Outsiders Still Matters”

• This article from Rolling Stone Magazine discusses the continued relevance of The Outsiders, a book that the protagonist Malú reads and mentions often. (Subscription may be required to view.)
• This resource connects to the theme Coming of Age as a Second-Generation, Biracial, Mexican-American through its discussion of the book’s emphasis on the adolescent experience of frustration with adults.
• In what ways does Malú identify with the characters in The Outsiders?

“The Subversive Messages Hidden in The Wizard of Oz”  

• This analysis from the BBC examines how The Wizard of Oz subverts the messaging of traditional fairy tales to present a “garish parody of the present.”
• This resource connects to the theme of Coming of Age.
• Why do you think The Wizard of Oz is Malú’s favorite movie? Which character do you think she most identifies with?

CHAPTERS 12-17

Reading Check

1. What does Oralia give Malú as a housewarming present?

2. What does Malú call the wall in Calaca that is covered with Mexican-American singers and bands?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Describe the Bracero program.

Paired Resource

“Bracero Agreement”

• This is a brief, accessible description of the Bracero program published as part of the Immigration History Project.
• This resource connects to the theme of Coming of Age as a Second-Generation, Biracial, Mexican-American.
• How does the Bracero program connect to Malú’s family history?

CHAPTERS 18-22

Reading Check

1. What name does Mrs. Hidalgo have for her tattoo?

2. What kind of dancing does Selena want to try?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What reason does Mr. Jackson offer to explain why Malú’s band did not make their audition for the talent show?

2. Why did Mrs. Hidalgo organize an anti-homecoming dance when she was young?

Paired Resource

“Blending the Best of Different Cultures”

• This article from Psychology Today provides an accessible discussion about cultural relativism and the ways humans blend their cultures with others.
• This resource connects to the theme of Coming of Age as a Second-Generation, Biracial, Mexican-American.
• What cultural characteristics mentioned in this article do you see reflected in Malú?

“Ramones Exhibit Rocks Queens”

• This video about a retrospective art exhibit on the Ramones in their hometown of Queens, New York, explains how the band codified the sound and style of punk music and shows the devotion that Ramones fans have for this tremendously influential band.
• This resource connects to the theme of DIY and Punk Culture.
• What parallels do you see between the story of the Ramones’ formation and that of Malú’s band, the Co-Co’s?

CHAPTERS 23-28

Reading Check

1. Why are Bennie and Ellie skeptical of Malú’s idea of the anti-Fall Fiesta talent show?

2. What do Selena and her friends throw at Malú and Joe?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Describe Joe’s idea for his own zine.

2. How does Selena find out about the anti-talent show?

CHAPTERS 29-32

Reading Check

1. Which member quits the band?

2. What movie did Malú use as inspiration for the zine she gave her band?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Describe the altar Mrs. Hidalgo constructed in Calaca.

2. What does Joe do to Malú’s hair?

CHAPTERS 33-39

Reading Check

1. What does Malú place inside her bag the day of the anti-talent show?

2. What does Joe wear on his head to the show?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What does the school’s parking lot look like on the day of the anti-talent show?

2. Describe the zine that Malú makes at the end of the book.

Recommended Next Reads 

The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

• This coming-of-age novel published in 1967 tells the story of a teenage gang in Oklahoma.
• Shared themes include Coming of Age.  
• Shared topics include adolescence, rebellion, and teenage angst.      
• The Outsiders on SuperSummary

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

• In this memoir, Woodson writes of her childhood, family history, and beginnings as an author.
• Shared themes include Coming of Age.
• Shared topics include strong female protagonist, struggle and creativity, family, and growing up.
• Brown Girl Dreaming on SuperSummary