George

Staff Top Fives 2015

Our favorite books of the year.

I have never cried over a book, but if I'm honest, this one was so sweet and uplifting that I got a little misty-eyed. The book is radiant, and it will make readers feel radiant, too. Not only is this book an important one, it's simply well-written. I'd recommend it to any middle reader age 8+ or to adults like me who like cute stories. As a side note, this book is very refreshing for the fact that it is a transgender author writing a transgender character. Recommended By Junix S., Powells.com

Be who you are.

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

"A required purchase for any collection that serves a middle grade population." School Library Journal, (Starred Review)

"Profound, moving, and — as Charlotte would say — radiant, this book will stay with anyone lucky enough to find it." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

"A coda to the Charlotte's Web story, in which George presents herself as a girl for the first time, is deeply moving in its simplicity and joy. Warm, funny, and inspiring." Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)

"Pair this important addition to the slender but growing body of transgender fiction with Ami Polonsky’s Gracefully Grayson." Booklist (Starred Review)

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

BE WHO YOU ARE.

When people look at Melissa, they think they see a boy named George. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl.

Melissa 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. Melissa 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, Melissa comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte -- but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.

Alex Gino loves glitter, ice cream, gardening, awe-ful puns, and stories that reflect the diversity and complexity of being alive. George is their first novel. For more about Alex, please visit www.alexgino.com.