Who is George?

George by Alex Gino is a unique story, unlike any of the children literature I have ever read. The main character of the story is George and when people look at George they see a young boy in 4th grade. But “George” is keeping a secret from everyone and no one truly knows who he is.. because she is a girl and her name is Melissa. She desperately wanted to play the part of Charlotte in the schools play of Charlottes Web but was not given the part because she didn’t resemble a girl on the outside. Heartbroken and frustrated, Melissa eventually opens up to her best friend Kelly and they devise a plan for her to star in the play.

This is a beautiful story that can help many children who are struggling with understanding who they really are. The LGBTQ community is immensely underrepresented in literature (especially children and YA) and it was so nice to read a story that could help young children connect. This book, however, does touch on subjects that some parents might find unsettling. If I were to ever recommend this book it would have to depend on the district and setting I were teaching at. This is also a good way for someone who does not identify within the LGBTQ community to gain some insight on these struggles that others go through and perhaps encourage them to be more kind and compassionate to those who might seem different.