Matthew Meets the Man

High school freshman Matthew Swanbeck has a classic problem. Back in seventh grade, his dad talked him into playing the trumpet instead of the drums. Now he's a lowly brass player in the school marching band. Until one day he has an epiphany: He can start his own band, play in all the cool rock venues, even go on tour ... if only he can scrape together the cash to buy a drum set. But how will he ever get the money together when The Man thwarts him at every turn, taking taxes out of his paycheck, forcing him to mow the lawn for a measly $10 a week, and creating all of those rules that get in the way of dreams? It's one teen against the system in this light-hearted look at the challenges and rewards of chasing your dreams in high school.

A former member of Austin indie bands The Needies and Omega Monster Patrol, Travis Nichols is all too familiar with the joys and heartaches of starting a band. He has also authored Punk Rock Etiquette: The Ultimate How-To Guide for D.I.Y., Punk, Indie, and Underground Bands for Roaring Brook Press, and can be found online at ilikeapplejuice.com. He lives in New York.

“A light-hearted tale of a likable kid trying to be cool and survive high school at the same time.”--Kirkus Reviews