George

George by Alex Gino is a book that I knew I had to read at some point as the subject matter is one I have rarely seen in any novel much less one for children. We meet George, a girl who to everyone else? Is a boy. George wants to be who she is meant to be, who she has always been inside and a school play and the loving words of her best friend? Give her the opportunity to stand tall and show her true self.

I will admit, I cried several times for George when she struggles to be heard and when she finally... is given the chance to show her Mum just how happy and freeing it is to be seen properly for the first time.

Gino's tale of self-recognition and acceptance is one that will leave you thoughtful when the final page is at an end. The author is truly fantastic in their way of introducing the internal struggle faced by ten year old George who knows that they are a girl despite what everyone from her Mum to the children in her classroom see.

I think this is a book that so many children and adults would take something from and certainly help so many people be able to find the strength to say that they too, are like George. As I said, I had wanted to read this for some time and now that I have; I wish I had shuffled my tbr pile sooner. George is an incredible story, it gives you moments of laughter, of sorrow, thoughtfulness but above all? Certainly I felt hope as I read of how a child found not only their voice; but their true selves. I wish I were able to say to the author face to face, 'thank you. Instead I say it here.

Thank you Alex Gino for giving a voice to so many, for highlighting a very complicated and emotional experience for anyone to feel at any age. George should be a book that is guaranteed to be in every school library and given as an example that like in Charlotte's Web (the book that is central in George's plan to simply say 'this is me) that anything is possible if you simply find the strength and have the love and support of those who matter around you.