George Paperback – 3 Aug. 2017

My daughter thoroughly enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it

I've never read book about a transgender character before, although after discussing transgender children at uni it was certainly something that interested me. Which is why I couldn't wait to start it.From the very beginning George is referred to as she and her in the narrative, she's set off as female, despite her anatomy. George is only in the fourth grade, yet has an understanding of her gender, that despite what her body is saying, she is a female. This might seem like a theme that's too old for a child of George's age, but Alex Gino portrayed the child-like innocence that showed George's age. This was done through the dialogue and language used, and the insult 'some jerk' that was so young and not insulting that it couldn't help but endear you to George even more.In the book the school are reading Charlotte's Web, something I have never read, but it seemed to really touch George. She adores Charlotte, and as her class are putting on a play, she wants nothing more than to play Charlotte. Her best friend Kelly is extremely supportive of George's dream, and together they rehearse Charlotte's lines, ready for auditions. I really wanted to see George succeed and perform his Charlotte in front of the audience, but Ms Udell had other ideas. She had no time for George's audition, telling her to stop joking around. My heart went out to George, especially as Alex Gino oh so cleverly hammered in the 'boy' 'boy' 'boy' throughout the book, and I don't know about anyone else but it gave me strongly mixed feelings towards these adults. One of which was George's mum, I got so angry after more than one interaction that should not have gone the way that it did. I wanted to take George in my arms and hug her, telling her it's okay. Because she clearly needed support from the people around her, and I'm glad Kelly was there to give it to her.George is a middle grade book, therefore the language is not the most complex thing in the world, in fact I have seen some reviews where people have used the word 'simple'. Why I am able to understand their opinions, I don't personally agree. For me, it was the simplicity of the language and the innocence that it created that really impacted me. I was so intrigued about Alex Gino after finishing George that I went ahead and did a little bit of Googling. I found this article in which both author and book are discussed. What I really liked about this interview was that Alex Gino recommended more books with LGBTQ+ themes, which I will most certainly be checking out!George is a brilliant book that everyone needs to read. Seriously, go out and read it right now.Have you read George? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!- TO YOU, FOR WHEN YOU FELT DIFFERENT -

Slightly confusing when they (the kids & teachers at her school, also her mom and brother) call George he/him at the start, as, although she is born into a boys body, she really is a girl.Wonderful and captivating! Beautifully written!!This story could relate to many readers. And it must be hard if you are non-binary, and you are born into a girls body (or a boys) and you kept getting called he/she. It's the same for George (she is not non binary though, but the same kinda things happen to her). When your teacher says " BOYS and GIRLS.." you would feel like you don't belong. Or if you ever have to line up in boys' and girls' lines (example from the book!)

i don't read. i struggle with it. i find a lot of books difficult to focus on, even when i find them interesting.this book hooked me in a way no others have.i sat down as soon as i got it through the post box and read it all in one go.i laughed. i cried. i felt everything george went through and i felt like the journey was a personal one and one that i was very happy i could share with the protagonist.i think alex gino has shown that they are a very creative and engaging author.their words feel not like a book made for children. but a book written from the perspective of a very perceptive and sensitive young girl. i really saw through her eyes and i cannot wait until tomorrow when i will probably read it again at least once

Also why do they like decide the non binary kids gender and pronouns for them. They need to rename the book as Melissa.

Eye opening, as a teacher this really made me think about how many times I use ‘boy’ and ‘girl’.I loved Melissa’s story she’s strong and brave despite the adversity she faces at school and home.

We, Grade 5/6 Dili International School, enjoyed hearing how it feels to be in George’s shoes. We thought it would be helpful should we meet someone like George.

This book is a must read for any child questioning their gender or trying to come out. I read this as an adult and related to the issues facing the main character. Very fantastic book.