The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a 2010s cult classic based on the 1999 novel by Stephen Chbosky. The novel has appeared on the ALA’s most frequently challenged list several times since its publication. “Perks” is a coming-of-age epistolary novel about high school freshman Charlie who deals with mental health issues after experiencing trauma. It is often challenged and banned because of LGBT+ content, profanity, drug use, and depictions of abuse.