George by Alex Gino
Review by Lauren
Source: personal copy; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl.
George thinks she'll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte's Web. George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can't even try out for the part . . . because she's a boy.
With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte -- but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.
Review: Wonderful MG novel about a girl named George who believes she was born in the wrong body - a boy body. The author does a great job sharing this story, as well as what it means to be transgender, for a younger audience. George is desperate to be Charlotte in her school's play of Charlotte's Web, but that's a girl's only part since so many girls already want it. What's a girl to do when nobody realizes she's a girl?
Enjoyable story for all ages and I think every school library should have a copy for their students! It's an important topic that is shown with sensitivity and care in this novel. I appreciated that the author showed mixed emotions/reactions concerning George's feelings. It made it more realistic, yet still easy to read.
3 comments:
This sounds like a really good book! I have a former middle school student who was a male, but really felt like a girl. In high school he began being up front about who he was, and he was allowed on the cheerleading squad, and even won Homecoming queen this past year! You say this is a middle school book. Do you think it would be too young for high schoolers to read? My school is 8th-12th graders.
I'm glad you liked this one, Lauren! I cannot believe I haven't read it yet - especially since I have heard so many amazing things about it. While the number of LGBTQIA+ novels in YA is growing quite steadily, I feel like kid lit and middle grade books are being left behind a bit. So I think it's so important that people support George so that publishers know that there is a readership for LGBTQIA+ middle grade books!
I really cannot wait to read this one.
This sounds so good. I am sure some kids could relate. I agree it should be in all school libraries. Great review!
Post a Comment