The Boy in the Dress - Softcover

David Walliams

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0007542968 ISBN 13: 9780007542963

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2013

Synopsis

Everybody needs friends— especially a boy in a dress!

Dennis’ life is boring and lonely. His mother left two years ago, his truck driver father is depressed, his brother is a bully and, worst of all, “no hugging” is one of their household rules. But one thing Dennis does have is soccer—he’s the leading scorer on his team. Oh, and did we mention his secret passion for fashion?

When Dennis’ friend Lisa discovers his stash of Vogue magazines, she convinces him to vamp it up and wear a dress to school. But in class, his hilarious hijinks as “Denise” are brought to a screeching halt when the headmaster discovers his secret and delivers the worst punishment of all—Dennis is expelled from school and therefore forbidden to play in the soccer Final Cup!

Can the team win the most important game of the year without their star player? And, more importantly, will Dennis gain the love and respect of his friends and family, even in a dress?

About this title

About the Author:

David Walliams is an English comedian, writer, and actor on the sketch comedy show Little Britain. This is his first novel.

Quentin Blake is one of the most iconic illustrators of our time, best known for his classic partnership with Roald Dahl.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 6–8—The protagonist in this offbeat story is Dennis, a 12-year-old boy whose eclectic interests range from football (soccer) to fashion. He's mocked for his purchase of Vogue magazine but he just can't resist poring over the photo shoots, enamored with the color, cut, and style of women's dresses. Dennis meets up with Lisa, the school hottie, who is two years older and also a fashion aficionado. She plays dress up with Dennis and convinces him to come to school as "Denise," a French exchange student. Hilarity ensues as soccer-star Dennis, outfitted in an orange sequined sheath, complete with wig and makeup, attempts to pull off the ruse. This quirky comedy also has poignant moments between Dennis and his dad and brother. It's a quick read and Blake's stylistic line illustrations are the icing on the cake. All that being said, it's difficult to predict an audience for this book. Younger students may be turned off by the Briticisms, and it's a bit too juvenile for older readers.—Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, PA
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About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0007542968
• ISBN 13: 9780007542963
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240
• Illustrator: Quentin Blake