George

Gino, A. (2015). George. New York: Scholastic.

About the Book

George is a book that looks at a topic that is not widely discussed. The author Alex Gino presents the topic in a very innocent and tasteful manner. George is a transgender child in fourth grade. He is in love with the character Charlotte in Charlotte's Web. He dreams of playing the part of the glorious spider, but it is a part set aside for girls. George has a best friend Kelly who eventually discovers his secret and supports him/her. At the end of the story George is making small strides to become the girl that he feels he is. Kelly provides him/her the opportunity to spend the day as a girl. George or Melissa as he refers to himself, has one of the best days of their lives at the end of the story.

Evaluative Criteria for Realistic Fiction

George is a beautifully written book about a topic that is not discussed openly by very many people. The gender identity in the book is giving a voice to transgender individuals. The story is told very innocently, but truthfully by George. He shares his worries about not being accepted by people in public and in his family. He is struggling to belong in the world, but does not identify with the gender that he has the anatomy for. George’s brain and personality are female centered and driven. The struggle he slowly begins to overcome is in baby steps, but it gives hope to other children who can relate to his experience. The book also provides a story for children who are not familiar with the topic to develop empathy for others who may be struggling with the same questions as George. The plot follows very familiar daily events that kids of current society can relate to. The story builds over time. It begins with George’s inner monologue describing his secret inner feelings. During the story he tells his best friend his true feelings and his family. He is slowly accepted by the people who care the most for him. At the end of the story George is given the opportunity to be a girl for the day with his best girlfriend.