George. By Alex Gino. Scholastic Press, 2015. Children's fiction chapter book.
Sometimes when you read a book, it heightens your awareness. George is a children's book that will heighten your awareness. You may not have a transgender person in your family or your classroom, but this book makes you think and probably understand a bit more of human differences and just how hard it is to move through the world for some students.
George is a fourth grader, born a boy, but George knows deep inside that she is a girl. She hides girl (not girlie!) magazines to examine the clothes and make-up. She plays video games with her older brother. She cringes inside when her mom tells her that she will always love her as a son, even when George is an old man. At school, she hates going into the boys' bathroom. She thinks her whole life is a big lie.
When the class reads Charlotte's Web, George is touched by the spider's story. George wants to have the part of Charlotte when the class performs for parents and students. But, girls are to be cast as Charlotte, and boys as Templeton and Wilbur. George seems to be locked out until Kelly, a true friend who is learning what George has told no one else, helps him find a way to communicate his longings.
Adults are generally caring, but clueless, for much of the book. George's mother finally admits that therapy might be good for George and for her. The teen brother talks openly with George. Kelly and her quirky father are accepting. Even the school principal tells George that her office is open.
Is the book about sex? No. Is it about gender? Yes. Is it reflective of the diverse world today? Definitely. Is it well written? Absolutely. Should teachers and librarians read it? Yes. We owe it to all of our students to help them be their best selves, whoever that may be.
