Published by Scholastic Press Genres: LGBTQIA, Middle Grade
Hello everyone! Today I have a review of GEORGE which is an awesome book that I encourage everyone to read. If you haven’t read all the magical reviews yet, may I persuade you to read mine?
George by Alex Gino
Published August 25th 2015
Genres: MG, LGBTQIA, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
Rating: 
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.
I bought a copy of this book because I really wanted to. Regardless, this does not influence my thoughts on the book.
When I first heard about George, I knew I had to read it. While the title/cover seems like it’ll focus on a little boy, the focus of the book is a little girl, Melissa. Everyone seems to think that Melissa is George, but she’s really not. Deep down, she knows that she’s a girl- and with the help of her friend Kelly, she hopes to prove it to the world in a school play of Charlotte’s Web.
Due to the nature of the book, George did make me tear up from time to time but do not let that discourage you from reading the novel. It is a bit hard to read how people (sadly including Melissa’s teacher) did not accept Melissa but unfortunately, this is the sad reality of our world. While not all sunshine and rainbows (although there are some!), George is still a fantastic read that is for everyone and anyone.
The plot was definitely fast-paced, engaging and interesting. I read it in two sittings (which is rare for me) and my only regret is that I can never truly experience it for the first time ever again. I can also see George as being an eye-opening novel for those who suffer with accepting themselves, and for those who have no idea what it’s like to be transgender.
Overall, I highly encourage everyone to read George! It’s an amazing and important and necessary novel, especially for the middle-grade audience. The themes in this novel transcend the confines of children’s literature and everyone, especially adults, should read this novel.
Sorry about the super short nature of this review, what can I say other than “I LOVED IT”? Have you read GEORGE yet? Let’s discuss in the comments!
This definitely sounds like something I would love to read. I’m so glad to hear you loved it so much, Shelly! I think the fact that you regret not being able to experience it for the first time again means that it was an impactful read- at least that’s how I feel when a book amazes me. Looking forward to reading this now!
Clearly this is one book I must add to the wish list and the TBR list STAT! Thank you for the great review and recommendation Shelly!