SuitabookThe boy in the dress
David Walliams
- Reading
- Read alongside the child rather than treating the dress as a joke or a verdict. Pause around the expulsion and family difficulties, and invite the child to distinguish intention, impact and fairness.
- Themes
- Self-expression and clothing: Dennis secretly enjoys fashion and wears a dress to school under the name “Denise”. The book?s stance on this remains unclear.
- Belonging and acceptance: Dennis is lonely at home, has a friend who encourages his fashion, and hopes to gain love and respect from friends and family. The book?s stance on this remains unclear.
- Authority and fairness: A headmaster discovers Dennis's secret, expels him and forbids him from playing in the football final. The book?s stance on this remains unclear.
- Worth knowing
- A child may benefit from discussing these elements with an adult, especially if family disruption or rejection feels familiar.