Gone Viral

Inspired by avant-garde composer John Cage’s seminal 4’33”, two California seventh graders become famous for performing “non-music silence” in this madcap wish-fulfillment novel by Soto (Puppy Love). Despite not knowing how to play instruments, friends Jason and Sean start a band called Gormax. The duo’s offbeat gigs—consisting of “gazing at the audience” and making “subtle body movements”—are an instant hit, particularly with officious sixth grader Chase, who becomes their agent and sends them on a world tour. On the road, Gormax discovers that fame has its perks: though they’re expected to keep up with schooling, they eschew hygiene, star in a commercial and a movie, and even have a planet named after them. Following a string of potentially career-ending incidents, Chase dispatches eighth grader Samantha and her multilingual cockatiel, Zep, to manage Gormax. But as they lose cultural relevance, Jason and Sean pine for their families (and their hometown’s delicious burritos). What the 12-year-old protagonists lack in differentiated personalities is made up for in their bubbling enthusiasm. Brief vignettes relay this meandering tale about the highs and lows of fame. Jaunty b&w illustrations by Smith (Born in the USA) depict a racially diverse cast. Ages 8–12. (Jan.)