George by Alex Gino

Gino, A. (2015). George. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. 

George is a ten-year-old transgender pre-teen who is trying to find a place in this world; a place where she is called "Melissa" and doesn't have to pretend she is something she is not. Although she has a very supportive mother, brother, and best-friend, George doesn't feel safe enough to open up to anyone about the struggles of her daily life that include being called a boy and being teased for wanting to play Charlotte from Charlotte's Web in the school play. Her main aggressor is Jeff, the meanest bully in school. Once she finally opens up to her best friend Kelly, George finds strength in becoming Charlotte, although the part was given to Kelly, in the school play and showing her mother that she is indeed a girl wanting to be accepted and loved. Her mother and brother open their arms to her and agree to help her become who she is one step at a time.

George was a one-of-a-kind book that had me delighted once I began. I felt my heart racing when hers did in the times when she had to admit who she was to the people she loved and prayed that she would get accepted for it. I believe that this is a great book to include in any library because it discusses an issue that is important for all to know: being transgender isn't bad. We need to help support our students in knowing that the person who they truly are is not a person they need to be ashamed of. I believe that teachers would find this as a great tool to discuss tolerance and acceptance, because I do believe that many students need to know that people come in many different shapes and sizes, but like with anything we may have some students and parents who are not yet open to discuss such topics. We need to help create an environment in which we can share such human experiences with respect and understanding.

I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars!