George
(Alex Gino, 2015)
Similar to other middle grade novels, Alex Gino’s George explores the complexity of adolescence and identity. However, it does so from an often under-represented perspective. George tells the story of Melissa, a young girl who struggles with the fact that she is viewed by the rest of the world as a boy. In school, Melissa’s class reads the novel Charlotte’s Web and she feels an immediate connection with Charlotte. Awed by her cleverness and grace, Melissa is drawn to the character. So much so that she wants to audition for the role of Charlotte for her class’s production of the novel. Melissa has the hope that maybe if she can perform as Charlotte then the rest of the world, including her mom, might see that she really is a girl. However, after facing a roadblock in her plan Melissa has to work with her best friend Kelly to figure out a way to show the world who she really is.
Alex Gino’s ability to create such real and relevant characters shines through George. As curious readers, Melissa’s narration allows us to slip into her eyes and alter our perspective. Gino’s honest depiction of the aggressive gendering in our world opened my eyes to how prescriptive we are as a society. Within the first chapter, I was wincing at every binary reference that I normally would have glazed over without a thought. Gino’s use of language illustrates the overwhelming presence of gender in our society and particularly in our schools. Additionally, the relationships in the novel are carefully crafted to deepen our understanding of Melissa’s experience. Each relationship is unique and every core character models a different response to Melissa’s identity. Overall, the novel provides a voice to a commonly underserved perspective and can help open readers’ eyes to the experience of a transgender student. It is important to note that this is only one perspective and that every transgender person has their own unique experience. George reflects Melissa’s journey and does not speak for the experience of all transgender students.
I energetically recommend this book for late elementary through middle school readers. The language, content, and writing style make the text approachable and enjoyable. I also strongly recommend this book to all secondary ELA teachers. It makes a great addition to any classroom library and it can provide a needed perspective for educators who are removed from the experiences of queer and genderqueer students.
To learn more about this book and see more from Alex Gino check out their website here.
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