The Boy in the Dress

The Boy in the Dress. David Walliams. Illus. by Quentin Blake. 237 pages. $15.95 (Hardcover). IBSN 978-1-59514-299-3. Grades 5-8.

My Thoughts...

I am not exactly sure who was narrating this book, but they certainly know how to tell a story ;) I loved how this book read, simple and quick. It was as if someone had watched Dennis for a week and just told us what happened. The illustrations definitely reminded me of Roald Dahl, and I think the fit the story perfectly. I thought I would have preferred to actually see if Dennis could pass for a girl with more detailed pictures, but the fact of the matter is it doesn’t matter. I loved that Dennis could and did wear dresses because he liked them, not because he was transgendered or gay, just because he liked them. I think some boys would laugh at this story and ridicule it mercilessly, especially American boys. I do not think that reactions would be positive. I don’t think that all of the children in Dennis’ school would have been that supportive either, even if he was the soccer star. Then again, they are only 12 and in England. I don’t know if children are especially kind there or not.  I also think the positive 180 of the father, turning from the gray of the divorce to happy sunshine of accepting his son is unlikely. I love that this book speaks for being yourself and doing what you want, but I am scared that it would get children ridiculed and hurt by following it. I do think it is a great example of acceptance, and I would totally recommend it to children who are having a hard time coming in to their own or being themselves.  It reminded me of Luna: A Novel in the sense that there was someone dressing up, but this is for a younger audience. Luna is also specifically about being transgendered and it does deal with the criticisms and reality of confused identity. It was a cute book though and thoroughly enjoyed it.