Dante N. Ferno is NOT a Loser – at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: Opposites, friends, school, plans, bullying.
Children’s book title: Dante N. Ferno is NOT a Loser.
Children’s author: Brian Gordon.
Genre: Children’s fiction.
Published by: Macmillan Children’s Books.
ISBN: 9781035063598.
Recommended for children aged: 8-11 year-olds.
First published: Paperback July 2025.
This children’s book is ideal for: a more lighthearted look at the problem of friendship and bullying. Also for beginning a discussion about moving schools and all the differences to be discovered.
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Our review:
Dante has had a difficult time at school in Brimstone, and losing his trousers in front of everybody while wearing his teddy bear undies didn’t help! It’s OK, though, because he’s starting at Purg Middle School soon and has drawn up a total reinvention plan, which is absolutely foolproof, to change everything! Of course, the holidays are almost over and he hasn’t started it yet, but it’s totally fine – or it was, until he remembered he’d be travelling there by bus!
At the end of his first day, he finds some things are the same as before, while his main bullies have been joined by those from other schools! Add to that the scary bus driver, the cafeteria, a headteacher who is a minotaur, and, shock horror, his first ever friend – how is he going to cope? Will having a friend make any difference, or is Dante destined to always be what everyone else believes him to be: a loser?
Our verdict:
Bullying is a serious problem that has been addressed in many children’s fiction books, but probably not in the way it is here! Dante lives in Brimstone and has horns and a tail, while his new friend, Virgil, lives in Blisshaven and has a halo and wings! With Virgil’s help, Dante gains more confidence. He also has an ally and someone to hang out with after school, all of which is described very well, especially as everything is totally new to Dante.
The momentous changes in Dante’s life and the problems he faces because of them are told in a light-hearted manner, getting its message across while telling a good story. The fact that all the characters are mythological creatures makes it a far easier read than it could have been, as well as the use of opposites throughout. There is a positive ending to this book, with the promise of a second instalment set at a school activity camp, where, no doubt, Dante and Virgil will once again encounter the problems only middle school can provide.
Teaching points and book club discussion ideas:
- Dante has been laughed at and picked on at school forever. What is the best way you’ve found to deal with bullies successfully?
- What do you think of Dante’s plan to be the coolest person ever? Was it as foolproof as he hoped? What changes would you make to his list after the competition was over?
- Dante is shocked to discover he has a friend. What differences are there between him and Virgil? How do they help each other at their new school?
- How much does changing school concern you?
- If you’ve just changed schools, in a cross-curricular activity with PHSE, note down how you feel about it now.
- If you have yet to change schools, write down your worries about what will happen.
- In both situations, have you talked about this? If not, would you be happy to discuss these concerns with your friends and teachers?
- Dante’s story is told in a humorous manner. Does this make it easier to read and relate to than if it were very serious?
Many thanks to Macmillan Children’s Books for the review copy.
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