George
Ratings34
Average rating4.1
15
Ratings34
Average rating4.1
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.
Reviews with the most likes.
Agreed that this is an important book, but also an overly simple book lacking in plot and movement. However, there are plenty of kids who could benefit from feeling Melissa's joy in being herself and her freedom in her friendship with Kelly
I'm a cis reader, so my opinion should have significantly less weight than that of a trans reader, but I did really enjoy this book. Just like Charlotte's Web, it's a very simple story, on the surface - it's accessible to anyone and easy to understand. It's also very emotional, in a fairly understated way. I hope this book has reached and will continue to reach a wide audience, including girls like the main character.
I like that none of the characters are perfect and wonderful - George is a little bit bratty, for example, and struggles with life in a way that feels accurate for someone her age. The friendship between Kelly and George is really sweet, but it doesn't feel too idealized; Kelly is slightly awkward with everything at first, but she does her best. A few years ago I used to read middle-grade books constantly, and I don't remember many at all with a central friendship between two girls - so that's nice to see. I also like that this story is not about Kelly, or any cis person, but focuses completely on George.
I listened to the audiobook and the narration by Jamie Clayton is excellent. I hope she'll do more voice acting or narration in the future.
This book is so wonderful and important and relevant. As a reader you're able to gain a little more insight on how a person young or old might be feeling when they are struggling to find the right gender identity for them. I think Alex Gino did a wonderful job at making the topic understandable for middle grade readers while still being enjoyable to older readers. I definitely had to hold back some tears a couple times as I was reading this in a car full of people but they good cries out way the bad in this book!
5 stars - well deserved!
This was so cute!! Quick, really fun read and so important. I sincerely believe teachers, especially those of elementary and middle school, should read this. Wonderfully written, fantastic and much-needed message, easy five star rating.
Full disclosure: I won an Advanced Reader Copy.
