Parents' Guide to

King Dork Approximately

By Betsy Bozdech, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Coming-of-age sequel is just as wry, mature as the original.

Book Frank Portman Coming of Age 2014
King Dork Approximately Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

Fresh out of the hospital after being attacked by -- among other things -- a tuba (long story) during the climactic events of King Dork, Tom Henderson is in the midst of Christmas vacation, hanging out with his friend Sam Hellerman, practicing with their frequently renamed band, and mulling over the events of the last book. He's less than thrilled with the idea of going back to Hillmont (aka "Hellmont") High, the scene of so much of his misery; imagine his surprise when he finds out that Hillmont is closing, with all the students being assigned to other high schools in the area. Tom's arrival at Clearview (aka "Queerview") gives him a whole new world to observe and navigate, as well as plenty of anxiety about his place in all of it. Meanwhile, his mother and stepfather, Little Big Tom, aren't getting along; Sam Hellerman appears to have somehow discovered a way to get girls; and Tom's long-standing crush, Celeste (aka "Fiona"), has jumped up the Clearview social ladder. Could having a real, actual girlfriend be the key to helping the world make sense?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This is an appealingly honest, frequently funny take on what it's like to be a teenager. Fans of King Dork will undoubtedly be eager to check back in with Tom -- though they may need to brush up on the original, given the eight-year gap between the books' publication dates. But once you remember who everyone is and what roles they play in Tom's life, you'll quickly get caught up again in the story. Anyone who's ever felt like a misfit (so ... all of us?) will sympathize with his frustration and worries about the perils of high school, from the fear of being singled out for doing anything different to the social impact of how good-looking the person you're dating is.

Because the story takes place at the very end of 1999 and early 2000, hardly anyone uses cell phones (not to mention smartphones, iPods, tablets, or any of the other devices that are ubiquitous today) -- which, along with Tom's fixation on vinyl and classic rock bands, lends the story a certain "retro" appeal and works well with his introversion (he can't imagine why people would want to make themselves more accessible). Tom still can't stand The Catcher in the Rye, but his own wry, authentic, eyes-wide-open observations make him something of a latter-day Holden Caulfield -- albeit one with a lot more humor and self-awareness.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the way that King Dork Approximately depicts high school. Teens: Does it seem realistic? What parts are like your own experiences? What really resonates (and what doesn't)?

  • What role do parents play in the story? Can any of them be considered role models? Teens: How does that compare to your relationship with your own parents? Are there any admirable adults in the book?

  • This is considered a coming-of-age story. What does that term mean, and what are some classic examples?

Book Details

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