Book Review: George by Alex Gino

BOOK REVIEW: GEORGE BY ALEX GINO

SYNOPSIS

BE WHO YOU ARE.

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.

MY MUSINGS

This is a transgender book aimed for kids that will help support those who need it in this situation and inform those who have little knowledge of this area which includes me. I really didn't know what to expect and fully admit my ignorance on the subject in general apart from seeing the news on certain celebrities.

 This is a gently story of a young boy George who knows she really should be a girl.

George's best friend is fully understanding and aims to help George be true to herself but the part I found particularly endearing was the relationship with his older brother. When George tells him that he is transgender his brother feels like he is seeing his sibling for the first time and its as if a weight has been lifted from him and he can have a closer more honest relationship with his brother.

Sensitive, thought provoking and surprisingly endearing. A simple but powerful message for acceptance and about not being afraid of who we are.

I also think it will speak to a much wider audience than just the transgender community regarding feelings of isolation and struggling to 'fit in'. It is a great, heartbreaking, sensitive, thought provoking story that I hope will invite much discussion and greater understanding.