Books › No more dead dogs
No more dead dogs
240 pages
A hilarious, fast-paced middle-school rebellion against required reading and tragic animal stories.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like being caught in the middle of a brilliantly orchestrated middle-school prank. It is fast, loud, and relentlessly funny, driven by a chorus of distinct, highly opinionated student voices. The mood is pure, chaotic energy, perfectly capturing the absurdity of school hierarchies, stubborn teachers, and the sheer frustration of being forced to read classic novels where the dog always dies. The prose is snappy and conversational, bouncing between perspectives with a sitcom-like rhythm that keeps the pages turning effortlessly. It is an incredibly satisfying read for anyone who has ever wanted to challenge the status quo, offering a lighthearted but surprisingly triumphant emotional arc about creative rebellion, unexpected teamwork, and the joy of rewriting the rules.
- Mood
- energetic
- chaotic
- upbeat
- rebellious
- Tone
- irreverent
- sarcastic
- humorous
- witty
- lighthearted
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- creative rebellion · subverting expectations · absurdity of authority · unexpected teamwork · honesty vs conformity
- The writing
- Snappy, conversational, and told through multiple distinct, highly opinionated middle-school perspectives.
- The arc
- Moves from stubborn, isolated frustration to a chaotic, collaborative triumph.
- Who it's for
- Middle-grade readers who appreciate sarcastic humor, school-based shenanigans, and rooting for a stubborn underdog.
Content notes
- mild bullying
About the book
Nobody understands Wallace Wallace. This reluctant school football hero has been suspended from the team for writing an unfavorable book report of Old Shep, My Pal. But Wallace won't tell a lie -- he hated every minute of the book! Why does the dog in every classic novel have to croak at the end? After refusing to do a rewrite, his English teacher, who happens to be directing the school play Old Shep, My Pal, forces him go to the rehearsals as punishment. Although Wallace doesn't change his mind, he does end up changing the play into a rock-and-roll rendition, complete with Rollerblades and a moped!
Description from Open Library.
Books like No more dead dogs
See why they match
The chicken doesn't skateGordon KormanA delightfully chaotic middle-grade romp where science fairs and sports collide in a flurry of feathers.
This can't be happening at Macdonald Hall!Gordon KormanA laugh-out-loud boarding school romp fueled by unbreakable friendship and escalating pranks.
Dogs don't tell jokesLouis SacharA funny, tender exploration of what happens when the class clown finally decides to take himself seriously.
Romeo and Juliet Together (and Alive!) at LastAviA hilarious, fast-paced comedy of errors about the lengths friends will go to play matchmaker.
Mrs. Kormel Is Not Normal!Dan GutmanA high-energy, laugh-out-loud ride where the adults are weirder than the kids and everyday routines turn into absurd adventures.
Stick dogTom WatsonA hilarious, food-obsessed romp following a pack of goofy dogs on a single-minded culinary mission.