David Walliams' debut novel hits a sweet spot between silly British farce and a genuine message about self-expression. Follow-up works from Walliams got increasingly wild and formulaic, but this first book remains one of his most grounded and empathetic.

Dennis is a twelve-year-old soccer star living with his dad and brother after his mom left. He finds comfort in fashion magazines and eventually decides to wear a dress to school on a dare, triggering a ridiculous suspension before his teammates step in to support him. It treats a potentially fraught topic with lighthearted affection and real heart.

If your kid is ready for chapter books with short sections, snappy dialogue, and a lot of humor, this is an easy win that opens up good conversations without feeling like a lecture.