About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is feeling frustrated by arbitrary rules or when they are struggling to find common ground with adults. This hilariously relatable story follows Wallace Wallace, a football star who is banned from the team because he refuses to lie about his hatred for a classic, depressing school book where the dog dies. While serving detention in the drama department, Wallace brings his signature honesty to the school play, unexpectedly transforming it into a rock-and-roll sensation. It is a perfect pick for children aged 8 to 12 who value integrity and humor. Through Wallace's journey, the book explores the nuances of honesty, the importance of teamwork, and the courage it takes to challenge the status quo. It is an excellent conversation starter for families to discuss why we tell 'white lies' and whether being right is always the same as being kind.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The plot centers on a book where a dog dies; while no animals are harmed in the actual story, the concept of animal loss is discussed frequently and may be distressing to sensitive readers. The story includes scenes of school-level bullying, including social isolation and a character being falsely accused of sabotage.
Ideal Reader
A 10-year-old who feels like 'school is a drag' or who has ever been annoyed by having to read 'boring' books. It’s also perfect for kids who love sports but might have a hidden creative side.
Parent Prep
This book is safe to read cold. Parents might want to be ready to discuss the difference between honesty and tact. A child who is being 'brutally honest' to the point of being socially difficult or getting in trouble with teachers.
Age Experience
Younger readers (8-9) will enjoy the slapstick humor and the 'cool factor' of the rock-and-roll play. Older readers (11-12) will appreciate the social dynamics, the mild romantic tension between Wallace and Rachel, and the satirical take on school authority.
What Makes It Special
Korman’s use of multiple perspectives allows readers to see Wallace’s honesty from many angles, making a potentially 'difficult' character deeply sympathetic and funny.
Read plot summary
Wallace Wallace is famous for never telling a lie, a trait that lands him in permanent detention with his English teacher, Mr. Fogelman. Wallace refuses to write a positive review of 'Old Shep, My Pal,' a book he finds manipulative and cliché because the dog dies. While in detention, he is forced to attend rehearsals for the school play based on the book. His blunt suggestions for improvement initially cause friction but eventually win over the cast, leading to a complete, hilarious overhaul of the production while a mystery saboteur tries to ruin the show.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Wallace believes that 'honesty is the best policy' no matter what. Do you agree with him, or are there times when it's better to keep your opinion to yourself?
2
Mr. Fogelman is very protective of 'Old Shep, My Pal.' Why do you think he takes Wallace's criticism so personally?
3
How does Wallace’s attitude toward the play change from the beginning of his detention to the final performance?
4
Who did you suspect was the saboteur, and what were the clues that led you to that conclusion?
5
Why does the football team react the way they do when Wallace starts enjoying the drama club?
