King Dork by Frank Portman

ISBN: 978-0-385-732918
Delacorte Press, NY
2006
325 pages

Plot Summary

High school sophomore Tom Henderson is considered a complete dork at his school. A shy, introverted kid, his only friend is Sam Hellerman and they have become friends through the years because of the alphabetical closeness of their last names (and having to constantly line up next to each other). However, they are smart and witty and are constantly starting rock bands with outrageous names and album covers. At a talent show at school, they unwittingly unmask the porn activities of their hated principal, Mr. Teone, possibly solve the mystery of Tom's dad's death (murder, suicide, accident or all three??) and become "cool" enough to sort of "get the girl."

Critical Evaluation

This book is smart, funny and full of band references that I didn't get but that teens would. Tom Henderson is every high school loser's hero for his self-deprecating humor. I found it interesting that his appearance is never discussed - is he chunky or skinny or ?? There are lots of music and literary references (I must read Brighton Rock now) that are fun and should appeal to well-read teens.

Reader's Annotation

Tom Henderson and his best (only) friend Sam Hellerman learn how to avoid as many pitfalls as possible as two of the biggest dorks at their high school. When their rock band plays at the school talent show (sort of a battle of the bands), they become known for bringing down the school principal and become maybe not cool but at least attain a certain social status that allows girls into their lives.

Author Info

Author Frank (also known as Dr. Frank) Portman is a singer/songwriter/guitarist for MTX (the Mr. T Experience), a punk band. He lives in the East Bay area of California. King Dork is his first novel.

Genre

YA coming-of-age

Curriculum Ties

could be a reading selection in high school because of all the literary references

Booktalking Ideas

1. Tom and Sam enter their band in the school's battle of the bands (that morphs into the "Festival of Lights")

2. When Tom is hospitalized after having his head smashed in by some of the "popular" goons at his high school, he is visited by Celeste Fletcher, one of the drama students.


Reading/Interest Level

high school - age 14 + ; not appropriate for younger

Challenge Issues and Defense

Lots of oral sex references, suicide, underage drinking and drug use, bullying

Rave reviews from other YA authors, including John Green

Realistic depiction of a social outcast at a public high school

Why I Included This Book

Well, for starters, the title intrigued me. I love books with geeky, smart, male protagonists and this one certainly fit the bill. Also, it was highly recommended by YA author John Green, and I love his books.