The High Desert: Black. Punk. Nowhere is a MUST read for punks, music fans, DIY enthusiasts, aspiring-activists, those struggling to understand why all the good punk bands sing about hating Nazis. (I mean, of course everyone should hate Nazis. I'm referring to the history of the Nazi infiltration of punk scenes and the ensuing fight to reclaim punk music from skinheads.)

The High Desert is a perfect read for teens and adults who've ever felt out of place or misunderstood. James Spooner's exploration of his punk and biracial identities while being a teen in a small town captures the angst of many young adults. This graphic memoir is a must read, and the interwoven lyrics and song titles create a great primer for anyone who needs an introduction to punk.

Due to my committee work I am unable to review titles that are eligible to be included on our Great Graphic Novels for Teens list. Please see www.yalsa.com/thehub for a blog post about this title.

Recounting his high school years, James Spooner outlines the particular loneliness of being a mixed-raced kid in a small town. His first forays into punk compounds these feelings of isolation; despite punk's reputation as a haven for misfits, those misfits tend to be straight, white kids. I enjoyed reading THE HIGH DESERT as I learned about (and have been disenchanted by) alternative subcultures in much the same fashion. Other BIPOC who have had similar experiences as being the only, or one of few, might get a kick out of this book as well.