When Kelly talks her into auditioning for the role of Charlotte in Charlotte’s Web, but then gets the role, it feels like the story may take a very different turn. Her best friend Kelly is a constant support system, but even Kelly doesn’t know that George is a girl. Along the way, George contends with bullies, false starts on sharing her truth, and feeling alone at home and at school. Gino’s storyline centers on George (whom we find out sees herself as Melissa) and how she gathers the courage to live as her true self. This middle grade novel is wholly appropriate and important for upper elementary readers as well as adults who want or need help understanding how a transgender child might feel. From the first page, author Alex Gino introduces George as she/her, and it’s only when George’s brother refers to her as “bro,” that the reader realizes where the story is going. George* is a 4th grade girl who struggles with figuring out how to let her family and friends know she’s not the boy they all think she is. Reading Alex Gino’s GEORGE is such a complete and loving gift.
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