For What It’s Worth

Music-obsessed 14-year-old Quinn is growing up in Los Angeles in the early 1970s, where he has personal relationships with stars like Mama Cass and Frank Zappa. When he gets his first girlfriend, his life is “Phil-Spector-produced perfect,” but then it starts to warp: Quinn’s girlfriend may be more interested in one of his band mates, his parents are separating, and he must decide what to do about a “draft dodger” friend of his sister’s who refuses to fight in Vietnam. Readers unfamiliar with the music and events of the ’70s may take a while to get into the rhythm of Quinn’s story, but Tashjian (The Gospel According to Larry) informs them in fun ways, including themed playlists, Quinn’s interspersed school newspaper columns about music, and a Ouija board that Quinn believes connects him to the spirits of Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and Janis Joplin. Even those who do not share Quinn’s musical passion will be inspired by his growing understanding of the complex adult world and the sacrifice he makes. Ages 12–up. Agent: Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents. (July)