If you liked King Dork, you might also like…

Music is one of the most influential media that is a venue of expression, defines a young person’s identity amongst himself and his peers, and often evokes nostalgia like a play list to fond memories or soundtrack to this time in one’s life. King Dork read-a-like materials would bring a fresh perspective in libraries exemplifying music culture, local talent, and self-expression and would be useful in promotions and programs targeted at teens. Promotion can be as simple as a monthly poster, bookmark, or booklet that pair music with books and other newly acquired materials by genres and themes. Another method is to have changing displays featuring ‘how-to’ books about how to record music, self-publishing, etc. or go beyond banned books week and display classic reads or other material by themes that are deemed controversial or subversive. A program that allows teen volunteers or YA patrons to create a library zine with their creative writing, photos, and art, while including the books and music that they turn to for inspiration would create a venue for self-expression and a sense of community. Another idea would be a ‘treasure hunt’ or media trivia game through recovering clues in books or movies with giveaways of mp3 players or movie tickets, as well as music and books to choose and take home.



King Dork - Frank Portman
Best friends Tom Henderson and Sam Hellerman live and think against the grain to make some sense of their world. A pair of aspiring hard rock musicians, they bank on their ever-changing band names and albums before musical skill to gain admiration. Incorporate a literary trail through an old library of coming of age classics that may lead to Tom discovering the cause of his father’s mysterious death, and King Dork is a smart, quick witted, and insightful read that is packed with good-taste and DIY ingenuity.

If you liked King Dork, you might also like…



Catcher in the Rye – J. D. Salinger (Back Bay; Reissue edition 2001)
For many it’s required reading and King Dork thinks it’s not that a big of a deal, but it’s still a literary classic and one of the most widely banned books. One of the first rebels around, Holden Caulfield is angst, expelled from prep school, and trudging through New York City for a piece of mind.

…And the Women Who Love Them – Mr. T Experience (CD, Lookout! Records, 2002)
Before King Dork, was the soundtrack to author Frank Portman’s life concocted through his pop punk band, Mr. T Experience (MTX). The album with its adrenaline pumped rhythm and witty lyrics was much of Portman’s inspiration for his book, which is recognizable in songs like King Dork, Thinking of Suicide, and I Wanna Ramone You.

Despite Everything: A Cometbus Omnibus - Aaron Cometbus (Last Gasp, 2002)
The East-Bay punk rock scene has been a sub-culture staple and Despite Everything, a best of collection of Cometbus’ 48 zines, is an underground classic with music reviews, short stories, photos, and illustrations that showcase the free spirit adventures of teens who live against the social norm and questions common thought.



The Perks of Being a Wallflower – Stephen Chbosky (MTV, 1999)
“…the feeling of being infinite and those moments that are so small and so perfect and can almost seem to sum up being young in one night, or one song, or whatever it is that makes you feel untouchable for that one moment.” Charlie confides in an anonymous friend through a journal of letters that reveal his relationships, drug experimentation, and the books and music that influence him.



Scott Pilgrim Precious Little Life (Volume 1) – Bryan Lee O'Malley (Oni Press, 2004)
Scott Pilgrim is contentedly unemployed, but spends his time in a band called ‘Sex Bob-Omb’ and in the relationships of the girls that love him. He finds the love of his life, but has to fight off her seven evil ex-boyfriends to win her heart. This manga-like novel series is full of rock ‘n’ roll, alt-lit, and hilarity where eye-catching illustrations and unexpected super powers conjoin.



Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist– Rachel Cohn & David Levithan (Knopf, 2008)
A relationship created at the spur of the moment usually won’t amount to much, but Nick’s dressed down style as the straight guy in a queercore band and Norah’s hippie, “don’t give a sh*t” mentality bring the two together one night at a punk rock club. A high-energy romance and unique connection is soundly spoken through their alternating inner dialogues and passion for music.

TeenInk: A Literary Magazine ; http://www.teenink.com (Monthly circulation)
This monthly magazine is packed with book and music reviews, art and photography, as well as contains articles featuring poetry, fiction, and essays about hot topics and cultural issues all created for and written by teens!

Youth in Revolt (DVD, Sony 2009)
An adaptation of C.D. Payne's young adult series, Nick Twisp is a clever 16-year old that falls for a part-time trailer park girl, Sheeni and her infatuation for Jean-Paul Belmondo movies and Serge Gainsbourg records. A must see for any one who has battled with their rebellious alter ego and wanted play with fire.



Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close- Jonathan Safron Foer (Mariner, 2006)
If you liked discovering and deciphering codes in King Dork, a search to find the lock in the big city that fits for a mysterious key may just be the challenge you need. Child prodigy, Oskar Schell, accepts this feat as it may lead to some connection to his father who died in tragedy of 9/11. A hunt through the five boroughs of New York means encounters with interesting characters and glimpse into the past.