Synopsis: (as told by the back of the book)

Be who you are.

When people look at George, they think they see a boy. Buy 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.

Morgan’s thoughts:

This is a marvelous book. I’m so happy that this book exists – as we try to create a world that is more accepting of all humans, we need to start by educating our children with that exact philosophy. George is a middle grade level read that immerses children in the point of view of a transgender child.

Part of what makes George wonderful is the realistic way in which this story unfolds. George’s teacher, mother, and best friend all struggle with the news in different ways when George tells them each in turn that she is a girl. Kelly, George’s best friend, is the quickest to come around to the idea, which is necessary because George needs an ally. The others handle it in their own way, in their own time. None of them are perfect.

This is a story of love and confusion and elementary school woes. I recommend to any teacher or parent that they share this story with their child; the child will be able to picture themselves in the settings: on the playground, at the zoo, in a school play. As an adult (or a non-kid) who read this story without a child to share it with, it is still great. My heart was full when I finished this story.

Interested in this book? Click here to buy it on Amazon or find it at your local independent bookstore. Once you’ve read it, head to the Diverse Books Club’s Goodreads page to discuss.

Have you read George? Tell me what you thought in the comments below!