George

Gino, A. (2015). George. NY: Scholastic

      When I started this book, I was determined to keep an open mind. I didn't tell my family what the book was about because I didn't want any opinions or outside distractions, it was just me and George. I almost dared this book to change my mind and really hoped it would offer me some insight and compassion for a topic that goes against my personal beliefs.  George is a boy who feels he really is a girl. The use of the feminine pronouns helps the reader think of him as a girl, but it would be very confusing to a young reader. I found much of the dialogue between George and his best friend Kelly to be very unrealistic for ten year old conversation, especially considering Kelly is basically raising herself. I found the plot to be rather dull. I was not particularly captivated with whether or not George would get to read the part of Charlotte in the play. The most climactic elements for me were waiting for George to tell Kelly and his family his secret. 

      Personally, I live with a ten year old boy and so many times while reading this book I wondered if Alex Nino has spent much time with 4th graders. With some exceptions, they aren't as complex as George and Kelly. Much of George's thought processes and feelings felt way too advanced while the absence of his father was handled very flippantly.  In the end, I can see why people would feel that this book breaks barriers and explores new topics not usually seen in children's literature. For me, I looked past the story and characters and saw an author with an agenda who used a strange platform. 

Textbook Assignment #3

Evaluative Criteria #1 - Gender and Culture

        In a moment of time where a famous male athlete now identifies as a female, George certainly finds itself as a relevant topic in today’s culture. The main character, George, feels he is a girl and is, throughout the book, referred to with feminine pronouns. The gender differences between boys and girls are a constant source of confusion for George and are explored in depth in both George’s thoughts and conversations with best friend, Kelly.  The discussion of femininity and sexuality are hot topic issues in today’s culture.

Evaluative Criteria #2 - Theme

   Alex Nino explores a theme in George that is rarely discussed in children’s literature. George is weighed down with the burden of feeling like he really is a girl and therefore, has difficulties in every aspect of his life. George struggles to truthfully communicate with his mother, to connect with his older brother, and to feel comfortable in his own body. The risk of such a theme is that it might be difficult for many children to relate or simply understand the character. The use of female pronouns in reference to George would be very confusing for young readers to follow and George’s obsession with all things feminine might struggle to appeal to its intended audience.