About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts noticing that adults often say one thing but do another, or when they feel frustrated by the seemingly arbitrary rules of the grown-up world. Through a series of witty and sharp-eyed short stories, Morris Gleitzman captures the hilarious and sometimes confusing gap between how adults want to be seen and how kids actually perceive them. It is a perfect choice for the child who is developing a sense of irony and a deeper curiosity about social dynamics. The collection explores themes of family, independence, and the awkward moments that define growing up. While the title might sound provocative, it is actually a clever nod to the many things children are told are off-limits, framing the world of adulthood as a strange club that kids are constantly trying to decode. It is highly appropriate for middle-grade readers who enjoy realistic fiction with a strong comedic edge. It offers a wonderful way to normalize the feeling of being an outsider in a world run by parents and teachers.
