George by Alex Gino

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️“The word man hit like a pile of rocks falling on George’s skull. It was a hundred times worse than boy, and she couldn’t breathe.” (Gino, 2015, p.16)

Alex Gino’s George is a revolutionary piece of children’s literature. As a work of fiction, it jumps right into the life of George, a boy who is actually a girl. Speaking candidly, this is a story of a transgender girl in fourth grade. George struggles with her identity throughout this book, attempting to break out of the norm and into her true self. George, or Melissa, as she prefers to be called, desperately wants to be seen as a girl, but continues to be shut down and out by peers, teachers, and even her own mother. Her ultimate quest in the story is to play the role of Charlotte in the school’s production of “Charlotte’s Web”. When she auditions and is ridiculed by her teacher, George is discouraged and depressed. Slowly, she begins to open up to her best friend, Kelly, who kindly accepts her for everything she is. Her mother, on the other hand, struggles with understanding who George truly is. After being bullied for being different, George reveals the big secret to her older brother and mother. Her mother takes the revelation quite hard and refuses to acknowledge George’s true self, getting upset frequently throughout the book. In a twist, Kelly plans a mischievous scheme to allow George to take on the role of Charlotte. Melissa is allowed to shine through and show the audience who she truly is. In the end, Melissa has her happy ending with a makeover and a best friend that accepts her exactly for who she is.

George is a book that comes into the lives of adolescents in a timely manner. As the LGBTQ community rises and continues to gain acceptance, the need for a book that promotes differences was necessary. Alex Gino wrote this book specifically as a children’s book, hoping to help a child that felt different and outcasted. However, there are some parts and language in this book that is questionable for middle grade readers. Due to sexually explicit content, this book would be more suitable for early high school students, or if given to a younger child, it would be best if there were direct adult supervision and frequent discussion. If teachers were to take this book on as a novel study, the overwhelming theme would be about accepting yourself as you are. It would be valuable to study the book as a social issue, focusing on human rights and equality. Alex Gino has recommended the following resource to carry discussions and answers to questions that may arise during the reading: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/George-by-Alex-Gino-Novel-Study-Key-Author-Endorsed-2459361

The strength of this book comes from the brutal truth and simplicity of the storyline. While it is important to understand the mindset of a transgender girl or boy, there are details that do not necessarily need to be brought to the attention of the reader, such as a scene containing sexual innuendos regarding “dirty magazines”. Nevertheless, the honesty and lovable qualities of the characters are what bring this book to life.

Personally, I was intrigued by the concept of the book, but wish it was relayed differently. I do think if will help many adolescents cope with questions or norms they are fighting against if they find themselves questioning their gender. I believe a lot of the book was a great view into the mindset of a transgender person, but few details could have been spared for adolescents to realize on their own. What really impacted me were the reactions from such strong figures in Melissa’s life. Her teacher and her mother completely degraded her without even letting her explain. While I cannot relate to Melissa’s inner turmoil, it was a moment of heartache to read her shame and pain because I have felt similarly with my own mother in my adolescence.

If readers are interested in books revolving around the theme of individuality, Jacqueline Woodson has released a new book titled, The Day You Begin, which focuses on finding the courage to connect.

If you are unstoppably curious (as I am) to see the face behind the words, take a look at this interview with Alex Gino, where many aspects of the book, George, are discussed.

Gino, A. (2015). George. New York City, United States of America: Scholastic.

Woodson, J. (2018). The Day You Begin. New York City, United States of America: Penguin Random House.