George

George is ten years old and struggling to admit to her family and people at school that she is transgender. 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.

This a lovely book with a heart-warming ending which deals with the topic of discovering your sexuality both sensitively and accessibly. Alex Gino presents George’s point of view as feminine throughout the book because although born into a boy’s body George identifies herself as a girl.

Suitable for 9+ readers, this book is a great support for children struggling with their sexual identity. It also provides a good discussion point around looking at our differences and encouraging tolerance and understanding.