George

(Spoiler Alert)

Gino, A. (2015). George. NY: Scholastic.

Recommended age: 4th grade+

Summary: George is a 4th grade boy who feels like he is really a girl.  He hates his body.  He is bullied for not being tough; for being a sissy.  He hides his feelings from everyone.  George has a stash of girl fashion magazines that he loves to pour over.  His class is in charge of putting on a play of Charlotte's Web.  He wants to be Charlotte.  After his teacher refuses to put him in as Charlotte, his best friend hatches a plan to switch with him.  In the end, George is able finally reveal to his family how he truly feels.

Response: I wasn't sure what to expect when I read this book.  It was a quick read with a solid story.  Alex Gino does a good job of explaining George's situation.  The book is told from George's point of view.  It carries the message/theme of be who you are.  There is another book similar to this one entitled Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky.  There is a debate on Goodreads stating that Gracefully Grayson is a better choice for this topic.  I haven't read Polonsky's book yet.  It would be a great follow up read.  Students could compare and contrast the two.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the differences in the two books