83 pages • 2 hours read
No More Dead Dogs
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Book Brief
180
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2000
Middle grade
10-14 years
610L
Super Short Summary
No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman is a humorous middle-grade novel about Wallace Wallace, a boy who refuses to lie, landing him in detention when he criticizes the book Old Shep, My Pal in an English assignment. Wallace's honesty and suggestions lead to changes in the school play's production, creating tension with both the cast and his football team, while he simultaneously investigates a series of saboteurs’ attacks on the play.
Humorous
Playful
Nostalgic
Upbeat
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
9,261 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Gordon Korman's No More Dead Dogs is praised for its humor and relatable middle school dynamics, making it a hit with young readers. The novel smartly critiques classic literature tropes through its protagonist's perspective. However, some critics argue that the plot's predictability and one-dimensional characters might not engage older audiences as effectively.
Who Should Read No More Dead Dogs?
Readers who relish humorous, relatable middle-grade novels with a unique twist will enjoy No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman. Fans of books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney or Holes by Louis Sachar will appreciate Korman’s witty storytelling and the protagonist's journey breaking conventional norms.
9,261 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Rachel Turner
Rachel Turner
A serious and ambitious member of the drama club, she initially resists Wallace's input but eventually recognizes the value of his perspective.
Mr. Fogelman
Mr. Fogelman
Wallace's English teacher and the play director, who tries to balance being relatable with maintaining a professional demeanor while managing the school play.
Trudi Davis
Trudi Davis
Rachel's best friend who embodies the fame-obsessed actor stereotype and often acts based on impulsive decisions influenced by teen magazines.
Steve Cavanaugh
Steve Cavanaugh
Wallace's former best friend and star football player who struggles with resentment towards Wallace's achievements both on and off the field.
Dylan Turner
Dylan Turner
Rachel's younger brother, initially suspicious, who plays a significant role in the play's challenges while trying to achieve his goals.
Rick and Feather
Rick and Feather
Wallace's loyal football teammates who support him through his involvement with the drama club despite the backlash from others.
Wallace’s Parents
Wallace’s Parents
The figures who influence Wallace's determination to always tell the truth, particularly due to his father's storytelling and dishonesty.
The Cast
The Cast
A diverse group of theater kids who work together to put on a successful play, representing the camaraderie and variety within the performing arts.
180
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2000
Middle grade
10-14 years
610L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.