King Dork
Frank Portman
About this book
"King Dork" follows the misadventures of Tom Henderson, an awkward high school student navigating the complexities of adolescence, friendship, and identity while grappling with the challenges of being an outsider. As he uncovers secrets about his late father's past, Tom's journey explores themes of self-acceptance, the influence of pop culture, and the struggles of youth in a conformist society. The novel is significant for its candid portrayal of teenage angst and its humorous yet poignant critique of high school life.
Why it was banned
Listed in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans as banned pending investigation in Escambia County Public Schools, Florida, in August 2023.
Censorship history
United States school ban context: King Dork was listed by PEN America as banned pending investigation in Escambia County Public Schools in August 2023. The restriction occurred within the same districtwide review environment that became central to PEN America v. Escambia County School District, a lawsuit alleging that removals were driven by ideological objections. For this title, the case is less about a single famous courtroom dispute and more about how broad administrative processes can remove edgy adolescent fiction from student access before any transparent, title-specific judgment has been made.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2024 | LanguageMoral |
