“Trying to be a boy is really hard, Mom”
GRADE LEVEL: 3-7
AUTHOR: Alex Gino
GENRE: FICTION
REVIEW
George is a story of a young ten-year-old girl who wants to be know for who she really is, Melissa. Unfortunately most of her classmates and community members know her only as a a boy named George. When the teacher announces that the class will be performing,Charlotte's Web, Melissa(George) sees it as an opportunity to play Charlotte and to show the world who she really is. When the community is not supportive of Melissa's decision, she finds friendship and an ally in her classmate, Kelly. With Kelly's support Melissa emerges as her true-self.
Ultimately, this book is about more than the bravery of a transgender girl; it is about friendship, challenges, and living your truth. My son and I read it together, and I was so relieved that Alex Gino referred to the main character with the pronoun she throughout the book. I don't always see this in literature, especially when the character is right before, or in the middle, of a social gender transition; but I think it allows the reader to follow Melissa's truth so much better. My son also has little tolerance for misgendering, and I feel he would have a hard time reading it, otherwise. We had wonderful conversations sparked by the events in the book and the the main character's journey.
I can see this book being a hit as a classroom book in middle school. Will you get push back from the occasional feisty parent? It is very well possible, but we are teachers and we are used to the controversy of great literature. Just put this book on a list with many other books that has the potential to create positive change. The book already has been used in classrooms around the world, so you should find lots of ideas in the classroom toolbox. If you have used in it your classroom, I would love to hear more!
CLASSROOM TOOLBOX:
- Compare the themes in Charlotte's Web with those in George. There are some great comparison matrix out there.
- See if the author will come for a visit! I found this link from Scholastic that speaks in particular about Alex Gino's school presentations. How amazing would that be?!
- If this is not an option, than maybe trying writing letter's to Alex that encourage students to use critical thinking questions. Check out the Letters About Literature contest for this age group. I have done this contest in the past with great results.
- Use Storybird.com to have students write their own books with similar themes. Compare the books when you are done.
- Use the discussion as an opportunity for talking about ways students can promote a safe classroom school environment. Maybe brainstorm what it means to be safe. Try getting your school guidance counselor involved with lessons. Some classrooms create a class constitution together. This maybe a great time to revisit the constitution to see if there are any other ideas to add.
- It would probably be a good idea to visit classroom discussion expectations before speaking about transgender issues. I highly believe the more educated the teacher on the subject, the more positive and effective the conversation. Start by reading, The Transgender Child: A Handbook for Families and Professionals by Stephanie Brill.
- Create a book trailer using digital writing techniques. Highlight the themes in the book.
- Have students write in they/them pronouns. When you create a prompt, make they/them an option and model this for them.
- Interview with the Author! :There are lot of others on Youtube:) They are a great person to listen to about the themes and characters in the book.
- Teacher Pay Teacher
- Discussion Guide and Extension Activities
- NY Times Review
- NPR Best Stories Article
FEEL FREE TO SHARE YOU OWN IDEAS AND CREATIVITY WITH US!
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