Dogs Don't Tell Jokes

Reach for this book when your child is using humor as a shield or struggling to find their place in the middle school social hierarchy. Gary Boone, known to his classmates as Goon, is the boy who never stops joking even when no one is laughing. Behind the constant clowning is a twelve-year-old desperately seeking a sense of belonging and wondering if he can ever be taken seriously. As Gary prepares for a talent show and attempts to reinvent his image, the story explores the vulnerable space between being the life of the party and being the butt of the joke. Louis Sachar captures the authentic, often painful reality of seventh grade with a blend of humor and deep empathy. This is an excellent choice for children who feel like outsiders or those who use performance to mask their insecurities. It offers a hopeful but realistic look at how self-acceptance and the support of a few true friends can help a child transition from seeking attention to earning genuine respect.