Pages: 240 Hardcover
Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: August 25th 2015
Buy it From: Amazon - Amazon UK
Synopsis:
BE WHO YOU ARE.
When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl.
George thinks she'll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte's Web. George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can't even try out for the part . . . because she's a boy.
With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte -- but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.
My Review:
Everyone sees George as a boy, but she was born to be a girl. She is desperate to play the lead role of Charlotte in her school’s adaptation of Charlotte’s Web, but George’s audition isn’t taken seriously because others don’t see her true gender.
With her best friend, Kelly, the pair come up with a plan to
put George on the stage in her dream role. Together, they will show the school,
her teachers, and her mother, who George was truly born to be.
This is such an important story, and I am so glad that it’s
been published.
George is a
transgender story that kids can read, find a character they can relate to, and
be reminded that they are not alone. Not only does it provide support for the
transgender kids out there who need representation, but it also educates
everyone, giving them an insight into a situation that they may not fully
understand, but need to. This type of diversity in children’s books is a joy to
see, and hopefully we’ll be seeing a lot more of it.
George is a fantastic character and her friendship with
Kelly is delightful. Kelly accepts her as she is, and is the first person to
really encourage George to be herself. I adored watching George develop
throughout the story with Kelly at her side.
I also found her relationship with her brother touching to read.
Scott is your ‘typical’ teenage boy, and I didn’t quite know what to expect
when George finally opened up to him, but the entire scene played out
beautifully. He was so understanding and dealt with everything perfectly. It
made me rather emotional whilst reading.
This book is so honest in showing what kids like George have
to go through, not only at school whilst facing bullies, but also at home with
their families, and in their own heads. I only hope that one day books like
this end up being taught and discussed in schools, teaching kids that it’s okay
be whoever they want to be, and also teaching the adults around them to be
supportive and understanding.
George has been a
complete pleasure to read. Heart-breaking at times, but utterly beautiful and
insightful. I can’t wait for people to fall in love with George, or as she’d
prefer to be known, Melissa, as I have.
Royal Rating:
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