George by Alex Gino

 

George

by Alex Gino

George is a fourth-grader who desperately wants to play Charlotte in the school play of Charlott'es Web. The only problem is that the part will only be given to a girl and everyone thinks that George is a boy. But George knows she's a girl.

George is bullied in school by Jeff and Rick who pick on George and call him a girl and a freak. George's friend, Kelly, also doesn't understand that she's really a girl uncomfortable in her boy's body.

Living with her mother and older brother, Scott, George hides "girl's magazines" and looks at them in secret, afraid that if they are found, her mother will know her secret, which she is ashamed to let be known.

When auditions for the play come around George and Kelly both read for the part. George's teacher tells her she has to be a girl in order to get the part. George is crushed and decides not to accept any part, but to be one of the crew members. Throughout the story George comes out as her true self to Kelly, who helps to hatch a plot to get George her time on stage to play Charlotte. She also comes out to her brother, whose acceptance is heartwarming.

After the play George tells her mother who she truly is and Mom tells her she is loved and they will explore George's true identity as Melissa.

This was a beautiful book that I wish was around when I was a youngster. There was a lot in the story I could relate to. I'm excited to read Rick, Alex Gino's next book. We've come a long way in our society to have books like this exist for kids who feel different.