No More Dead Dogs

"No More Dead Dogs" by Gordon Korman is a humorous and engaging middle-grade novel about Wallace Wallace, an eighth-grade football hero who values honesty above all else. When his brutally honest, negative book report on a classic dog story gets him suspended and assigned to detention at the school play rehearsals, Wallace finds himself unexpectedly drawn into the world of theater. His unconventional ideas, like a rock-and-roll rendition of "Old Shep, My Pal" with Rollerblades, inject new life into the production, much to the initial dismay of his English teacher, Mr. Fogelman, and drama club president Rachel Turner. The story also features a subplot involving a saboteur, leading to a mild mystery. This book is perfect for readers aged 10-14, especially those who enjoy humor, school stories, and tales of standing up for what you believe in. It explores themes of integrity, creativity, friendship, and finding your place.

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!