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George

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2015

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Book Brief

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Alex Gino

George

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary

Topic
Publication Year

2015

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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Super Short Summary

George by Alex Gino is about ten-year-old George, who knows she is a girl despite being anatomically male. George dreams of playing Charlotte in the school play of Charlotte’s Web to reveal her true identity. Despite facing misunderstanding and bullying, she finds support from her best friend Kelly and ultimately gains a level of acceptance from her family, while beginning to openly express her true self as Melissa.

Informative

Inspirational

Heartwarming

Emotional

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.4

49,512 ratings

80%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

George by Alex Gino is universally praised for its compassionate portrayal of a transgender child, delivering an important message on identity and acceptance. However, some critics feel that the secondary characters lack depth and the plot is somewhat predictable. Nonetheless, its significance as a groundbreaking story for younger audiences is undisputed.

Who should read this

Who Should Read George?

Readers who cherish heartfelt middle-grade novels exploring identity and acceptance will enjoy George by Alex Gino. Comparable to Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes, this book offers a touching, affirming story ideal for those aged 8-12 who seek inclusive, empathetic narratives.

4.4

49,512 ratings

80%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

George/Melissa

The 10-year-old protagonist who navigates societal expectations while discovering and expressing her true gender identity. She has flat reddish-brown hair, pale skin, freckles, and bright-green eyes.

George's extroverted and theatrical best friend, who supports George in her journey of self-discovery. She has light brown skin, wears her hair in braids, and is known for her kindness and willingness to understand and support George.

George's mother, who is kind and has green eyes like George, and is accustomed to wearing jeans and not using makeup. She grapples with understanding George's identity but ultimately supports her child.

George's older brother with a mop of dark brown curls who initially teases but ultimately accepts George's identity. He is portrayed as a typical teenage boy with a laid-back attitude once he understands George’s situation.

George's teacher who represents societal gender expectations and initially misunderstands George’s identity. She is described as having shiny black hair in a bun and wooden earrings.

The chief bully in the novel, characterized by his tall stature and spiky hair. He represents a narrow-minded perspective on gender and is a source of verbal and physical bullying for George.

A largely absent father who lives in Pennsylvania and left George's mom. He is depicted as a better part-time dad, illustrating the novel's commentary on traditional family roles.

The supportive principal of George's school, known for her short gray hair and turquoise necklace. She creates a welcoming environment for George and represents a progressive attitude in the educational setting.

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary

Topic
Publication Year

2015

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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