The Best Man
Richard Peck
About this book
Newbery Medalist Richard Peck tells a story of small-town life, gay marriage, and everyday heroes in this novel for fans of Gary Schmidt and Jack Gantos. Archer Magill has spent a lively five years of grade school with one eye out in search of grown-up role models. Three of the best are his grandpa, the great architect; his dad, the great vintage car customizer,; and his uncle Paul, who is just plain great. These are the three he wants to be. Along the way he finds a fourth—Mr. McLeod, a teacher. In fact, the first male teacher in the history of the school. But now here comes middle school and puberty. Change. Archer wonders how much change has to happen before his voice does. He doesn't see too far ahead, so every day or so a startling revelation breaks over him. Then a really big one when he's the best man at the wedding of two of his role models. But that gets ahead of the story. In pages that ripple with laughter, there's a teardrop here and there. And more than a few insights about the bewildering world of adults, made by a boy on his way to being the best man he can be.
Why it was banned
Listed by PEN America among the 176 books banned in Duval County Public Schools, Florida, in 2022.
Censorship history
United States school ban context: PEN America identified The Best Man as one of 176 books banned in Duval County Public Schools, Florida. Reporting on the Duval removals noted that many affected books involved gender, sexuality, race, or social identity. The Best Man is a particularly concrete case because the book is a children's novel in which a same-sex wedding is part of family life rather than a sexualized plot point, showing how LGBTQ inclusion itself can trigger removal.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2024 | LGBTQ+Sexual |
