SuitabookSelf-expression and clothing
Dennis secretly enjoys fashion and wears a dress to school under the name “Denise”.
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Book details
David Walliams - Author
This is a school-and-family story about loneliness, self-expression and belonging. Dennis's passion for fashion becomes publicly difficult when wearing a dress leads to expulsion, threatening both his friendships and his place in football.
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?
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Sign in for personalised guidanceThis is a school-and-family story about loneliness, self-expression and belonging. Dennis's passion for fashion becomes publicly difficult when wearing a dress leads to expulsion, threatening both his friendships and his place in football.
Dennis secretly enjoys fashion and wears a dress to school under the name “Denise”.
Dennis is lonely at home, has a friend who encourages his fashion, and hopes to gain love and respect from friends and family.
A headmaster discovers Dennis's secret, expels him and forbids him from playing in the football final.
A child may benefit from discussing these elements with an adult, especially if family disruption or rejection feels familiar.
This is a grounded book brief while Suitabook strengthens the analysis: the current material supports only a cautious reading; another book-specific source is still needed.
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