Summary: George was born a boy, but had always known she was a
girl. She just didn't know how to
tell the rest of the world. She
loved dressing up in her mother's clothes, started collecting a secret stash of
fashion magazines, and called herself Melissa in private. She was bullied in school for being a
"freak", but her best friend Kelly always accepted her
differences. After George's 4th
grade class finished reading Charlotte's
Web, there would be a play based upon the book, and all girls were invited
to try out for Charlotte the spider's role and the boys were to try out for the
role of Wilbur the pig. The
teacher would not allow George to be the female Charlotte, so when her best
friend Kelly got the part, she suggested they switch roles between the first
and second performances so George's mother could finally see her as a
girl. After the play, and to the
delight of George, her classmates, teachers and other parents raved about her
performance as they were beginning to understand her. Even though her mother and brother Scott had long believed
she was gay, it was shocking to discover she was actually transgender, but
eventually agreed to go to family counseling to support her. At the end, Kelly
invited George to the zoo and surprised her best friend with a wardrobe of
girl's clothes and make-up to wear on her first public appearance as
Melissa. It was the best week of
her life, with the promise of better things to come.
Commentary: This book uses third person narration focusing on the
feelings of George (aka Melissa) and attitudes of those around her. It is based on George's life in the 4th
grade, and is appropriate for middle grade ages. The book is certainly timely
as our society is becoming more tolerant of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
individuals. It is informative in bringing up youthful transgender topics, even
briefly discusses transitioning and hormone treatments before and during
puberty. The main character,
George, is very strong in never doubting herself and her desire to be accepted
for who she it. She really is just a regular kid with normal every-day problems
and joys. The other endearing character in the book is Kelly, the forever loyal
friend, who had no reservations about treating George the same whether he was a
boy or girl, and in fact was excited to have a new girlfriend for dress-up
days. She was instrumental in
helping George explain her situation and getting others to understand and
accept her. This is a wonderful book to use to teach acceptance of others regardless
of any differences they may have, be it sexual, race, religion, size or
appearance.
Connection: Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky
Connection: Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky
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