Booklist
Walliams...has written a witty, high-spirited and, well, sensible story about cross-dressing and other real life issues.
School Library Journal
Gr 6–8—The protagonist in this offbeat story is Dennis, a 12-year-old boy whose eclectic interests range from football (soccer) to fashion. He's mocked for his purchase of Vogue magazine but he just can't resist poring over the photo shoots, enamored with the color, cut, and style of women's dresses. Dennis meets up with Lisa, the school hottie, who is two years older and also a fashion aficionado. She plays dress up with Dennis and convinces him to come to school as "Denise," a French exchange student. Hilarity ensues as soccer-star Dennis, outfitted in an orange sequined sheath, complete with wig and makeup, attempts to pull off the ruse. This quirky comedy also has poignant moments between Dennis and his dad and brother. It's a quick read and Blake's stylistic line illustrations are the icing on the cake. All that being said, it's difficult to predict an audience for this book. Younger students may be turned off by the Briticisms, and it's a bit too juvenile for older readers.—Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, PA
Kirkus Reviews
British comedian Walliams tells the story of Dennis, who lives in a dreary house with his depressed, working-class dad and older brother. He's the star of his soccer team, but the thing that really gives Dennis's life magic is his penchant for women's fashion. An unlikely friendship with an older fashionista at school, the beautiful and popular Lisa, causes Dennis to impersonate a French exchange student-a female one, complete with dress, high heels and makeup, all of which he simply adores wearing. Readers may think he's about to come out, but it turns out he's just a boy who loves to wear ladies' clothing. Comic complications ensue; Dennis is found out and expelled, which puts his school soccer team in jeopardy. Brits may find cross-dressing hilarious, but even with the snappy writing and Blake's clever illustrations, it may be a harder sell on this side of the Atlantic. The message, however-we're all a bit different, and we should follow our own bliss and accept others-is solid. (Fiction. 12 & up)
