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Alex Gino

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George Hardcover – August 25, 2015

by Alex Gino (Author)

4.7 1,536 ratings

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BE WHO YOU ARE.

When people look at Melissa, they think they see a boy named George. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl.

Melissa 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. Melissa 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, Melissa comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte -- but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.

Reading age

8 - 11 years, from customers
Print length

208 pages
Language

English
Grade level

3 - 7
Dimensions

5 x 1 x 7 inches
Publisher

Scholastic Press
Publication date

August 25, 2015
ISBN-10

0545812542
ISBN-13

978-0545812542
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 4–6—Before her mother and older brother Scott come home, George has a few, treasured moments to experience life as she's always wanted to live it. She looks in the mirror and calls herself Melissa, combs her hair over her forehead to mimic the appearance of bangs, and reads glossy magazines full of ads for lipstick, perfume, and tampons. Once her mom and brother come home, however, the magazines must go back to their secret hiding place. While George has no doubt she's a girl, her family relates to her as they always have: as a boy. George hopes that if she can secure the role of Charlotte in her class's upcoming production of Charlotte's Web, her mom will finally see her as a girl and be able to come to terms with the fact that George is transgender. With the help of her closest ally, Kelly, George attempts to get the rest of the world to accept her as she is. While children can have a sense of their gender identity as early as the age of three, children's literature is shockingly bereft of trans* protagonists, especially where middle grade literature is concerned. George offers more than the novelty of an LGBTQ coming-out story, however. Here, what is most remarkable is the use of pronouns: While the world interacts with George as if she is a boy, the narrator only refers to her with female pronouns, which gives her girl-ness a stronger sense of validation. In addition, George comments on the fact that, in past years, gays and lesbians have achieved a certain amount of visibility and acceptance, while the trans* community is still largely ignored and misunderstood. George's mother remarks that while she can handle having a gay child, she simply can't accept her as "that kind of gay." For George, as is the case for many LGBTQ youth, coming out is a process that she must repeat until she is properly recognized. There is pain in George, but not without the promise of a better tomorrow, even if tomorrow doesn't arrive as soon as it should. VERDICT A required purchase for any collection that serves a middle grade population.—Ingrid Abrams, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Review

Praise for George:

"Timely, touching... George may be the most right-now book imaginable." -- New York Times Book Review

"Insightful... it'll resonate with anyone who has ever felt different." -- People Magazine

"George is a timely book for parents to share and discuss with their children, whether dealing with similar issues or simply to foster understanding." -- Entertainment Weekly

* "Warm, funny, and inspiring." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Profound, moving, and -- as Charlotte would say -- radiant..." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "A required purchase for any collection that serves a middle grade population." -- School Library Journal, starred review

* "[A] sensitive, insightful portrayal of a transgender child coming to terms with gender identity." -- Booklist, starred review

"Readers going through a similar experience will feel that they are no longer alone, and cisgender (non-transgender) readers may gain understanding and empathy." -- BookPage

"Reading this breathtaking debut should be a requirement for living." #6 on the Indie Next Autumn '15 List -- Marisa DiNovis, Flyleaf Books, Chapel Hill, NC

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scholastic Press (August 25, 2015)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0545812542
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0545812542
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 11 years, from customers
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 1 x 7 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #963,070 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #206 in Children's Books on LGBTQ+ Families
- #1,054 in Children's Books on Bullying
- #13,226 in Children's Friendship Books

Customer Reviews:
4.7 1,536 ratings

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4.7 out of 5

1,536 global ratings

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Nicole Hoefs

Absolutely amazing!

Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2016

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This book was so good. I feel like it should be mandatory reading for younger children, to help expose them to literature about transgendered people. These kinds of books will let kids know it’s okay to be who you are, as the first line in the summary says. I gave this 5 out of 5 stars.

I read this book for #ReadProud. I ended up reading it in one day, because I didn’t want to put it down and it’s a pretty short book. I’d heard some great things about this book, and they were definitely all correct. George is such a great main character. I felt for her while she tried to let the world know that she was a girl, not a boy. Her story touched my heart, and I’m sure it’ll touch your heart too!

First off, I really love Kelly, George’s best friend. Kelly was always there for George and didn’t judge her like a lot of other people did in the story. Kelly encouraged George to try out for Charlotte’s part in the play, and even helped George be Charlotte after the teacher said no. Kelly encouraged George to embrace being a girl in other ways as well, and I have to say bravo to Kelly’s character. If it wasn’t for her, it might have been harder, and taken George longer, to embrace her true identity.

George’s mom kind of annoyed me for most of the book. She kept dismissing George’s words, kept dismissing George when she tried to tell her mom that she wasn’t a boy. She comes around towards the end, but I feel like she’s going to take a while to come to terms with this. I wish more parents were accepting of their children, no matter what. George’s dad isn’t really in the picture, and we only hear mentioning of him a few times. George’s brother Scott was a pretty great character overall. He’s a little brash at first, but he comes around to the idea of George’s true identity much faster than the mom.

Of course, some kids can be cruel. Kids like Jeff, Rick, etc. are why more kids don’t come forward with their true identities. It breaks my heart that kids, and even adults, have to endure that kind of pain. Bullying is beyond wrong; I know from firsthand experience, but my reasons for being bullied were different. No child should have to endure bullying. But despite being picked on, George prevails. The ending was absolutely perfect. I just know George is going to be okay, even if she experiences some ups and downs.

Before I finish the review, I just want to point out one line that really stuck with me. It was said about George and I think it fits perfectly: “My point is, it takes a special person to cry over a book. It shows compassion as well as imagination.”

Final note: Another amazing debut! I read this book for the #ReadProud challenge this month, and I regret nothing. You can buy a Kindle or Nook copy of this book for $2.99 right now. Go get a copy ASAP!

8 people found this helpful

Helpful

Eric Selby

This Is a Must Read for All Children (and All Parents and Teachers)

Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2015

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This is a narrative that, for me, is as sweet, as tender, a beautifully crafted as that of the master himself: E. B. White. Alex Gino had to have studied and re-studied “Charlotte’s Web” so many times to find this truly beautiful voice.
And, of course, “George” is about “Charlotte’s Web.” George is in fourth grade and she—yes, I did write she—wants so much to be Charlotte in the play her class will be performing for the first through third grades. But, of course, how could she be Charlotte since George is a…. Well, physically George is a boy. He has to use the boys’ bathroom in school.
The author has just brilliant (and simple) dialogue that says it all:
“Heh, some girl is crying over a dead spide.”
“That ain’t no girl. That’s George.”
“Close enough,” followed by laughter.
I found myself right back in fourth grade when, instead of playing ball games, I would be jumping rope with the girls. I don’t recall wanting to be a she. But I certainly recall feeling that I was one.
This is a courageous and much-needed book for young people. I hope that public school librarians will feel they can add this remarkable story to their collections. There will, of course, be objections. But there are so many children like George.
Be prepared to shed a few tears. (Or many maybe.)
I wish I could give it more than five stars.

One person found this helpful

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Tia Martel

Wholesome read

Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2023

Verified Purchase

I bought this because a parent in my town decided to challenge it and I’m against banning any book so I was prepared to tear apart everything he had to say.

I listened to the audiobook, then bought two copies of the book (one for me, and one for my local public library).

This book is wholesome, lovely, and everything I’d want for my child if they were going through finding their identity.

The challenge didn’t go anywhere. He didn’t show up ever again, and the book is still on the shelves at the school (put up where permission is needed to check it out). It’s there, it’s accessible, and I just wanted to make it more accessible.

💕💕💕

4 people found this helpful

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L. A. Vitale

Well written!

Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2021

Verified Purchase

"BE WHO YOU ARE. "

I read George by Alex Gino for Banned Books Week
last year as this middle school
novel has been the number one banned book in recent years.

George by Alex Gino is a phenomenal novel!
The writing is marvelous, poignant, and timely.
The storyline is very engaging.
I love the characters for this novel.
George by Alex Gino deals with LGBTQ themes.
In fact, many of the top ten most recently challenged books
have LGBTQ themes to them.

8 people found this helpful

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Simon Andrews

An important topic

Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2021

Verified Purchase

This is an important topic that too many people don't know much about. Alex Gino writes this in a way that makes it meaningful but easier to understand for people who don't know much about transgender people. This is a good read not only for early teen audiences, but also for parents who may have a child who feels similar to Melissa. Although it's not quite the same, this book could also help people understand trans guys a little more, or at least understand how important not misgendering* or deadnaming* someone is (in my opinion, anyway).
*(As a side note for those who may not know: misgendering someone is calling someone by he/him if they prefer she/her, for example. And deadnaming someone is calling someone by their birth name that they may not use anymore, such as calling someone George instead of Melissa).

6 people found this helpful

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Gail B.

Banning Books is Silly

Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2022

Verified Purchase

I read “George” because it was on a list of banned books. I thought the story was very cute and absolutely could reflect the angst of a child wanting to be their true self. People who think a story could “turn” a child certainly can’t explain the opposite rationale how reading a traditional gender assignment story would turn a child inclined otherwise. SMDH

One person found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

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Aneliz

Muy buen libro

Reviewed in Mexico on August 21, 2020

Verified Purchase

Llegó muy bien, es un libro muy bonito, vale totalmente la pena, en pasta dura es muy lindo. Llegó mucho antes de lo esperado!

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Marta García

Genial para aprender inglés

Reviewed in Spain on January 5, 2021

Verified Purchase

Si tienes un nivel medio de inglés esta es una buena compra, el libro (por lo menos cuando yo lo compré) está muy bien de precio, es tapa blanda y con papel algo áspero, pero la historia es preciosa y salvo algunas palabras que tuve que buscar en internet lo he entendido muy bien. Es perfecto para iniciarte en la lectura en inglés leyendo una historia que te emocionará.

3 people found this helpful

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Amanda Charland

Amazing

Reviewed in Canada on May 12, 2019

Verified Purchase

Perfect for my little guy

Silvia

important

Reviewed in Italy on July 6, 2017

Verified Purchase

George is the first middle grade book I read since...I don't know honestly, it feels like it's been forever. When rating this I chose to put aside my own feelings regarding the depth of this book because it's obvious that I, a twenty-something year old, need to acknowledge that this book wasn't written for me and I chose to read it knowing perfectly well the protagonist was very young.

Melissa is a 9-10 year old girl, but everyone thinks she's a boy. In fact, they all call her George and at the beginning of the book she hasn't told anyone that the name she likes for herself is Melissa. When she auditions as Charlotte for her class play, the teacher doesn't take her seriously and the role is given to her best friend, Kelly. Kelly is the first to whom Melissa tells she's a girl, and Kelly understands her and even thinks of a ploy to have Melissa perform in the play as Charlotte so finally everyone will see that she is a girl.

Well, I'm not going to spoil the rest of the book, but I'm so happy with how everything turned out. I like the fact that the term transgender was clearly stated, because a kid reading this might need to have a word to base their research on (if they feel like researching more about this). The friendship between Melissa and Kelly was so sweet and pure and it made me a bit nostalgic of that age because to be perfectly honest everyone should have a friend like Kelly and I didn't have it.

At the end of the book (the paperback, but I guess all editions have it) is a FAQ by the author that I found pretty useful and should probably be read by anyone (regardless of them reading the book or not).

What I want to add is that I hope that this book is getting into the hands of the intended target audience. It's fine for us adults to read it and review it so that more people, more parents can know about it, but if this book isn't read by kids then everything will stay the same. So I beg you, if you are a parent, consider buying this for your kid. It doesn't matter if you think your kid might be trans or not, every kid should read all different kinds of stories. Why would you allow your kid to read about dragons and magic, very entertaining aspects of fantasy worlds which I love, but forbid them to read about very real issues that real people have to deal with, in our world? I guarantee you, your child won't "become trans" if they read this book, but it will help them a lot if they are, and if they're not, it will prepare them for when they meet a trans kid or a trans adult.

Hydie Bloom

Great book for everyone

Reviewed in Australia on March 2, 2022

Verified Purchase

No complaints. Wonderful story and illustrations for any age.

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