This was the first children's novel that I've read that included a transgender character. I wasn't sure what to expect while reading, but Alex Nino wrote in such a way that I can imagine a young reader not only understanding the plot and the characters, but also identifying with the characters and the true struggle George was going through, being yourself.

This novel had a way of pulling me in and truly feeling for George as she was going through her day to day struggles that revolved around her not being comfortable enough to be her true self. It made me think about how brave a child like George is, and how they could feel isolated. Nino made me hurt for George, and for her mother.

I know that sometimes a child that feels different can take strength in reading about a character they can identify with. I also think that while reading about topics such as LBGTQ concerns, a reader can educate themselves and start to demonstrate tolerance and acceptance where previously there was none. I think this novel does those things in a very tasteful and lighthearted way.

I would recommend this novel for readers ten years old and above. This was an easy read as an adult, and I think there are many mature readers that would enjoy this novel as well. I do not know if I would assign this novel in an elementary classroom, as the topic is still a bit controversial. I think I would be more likely to recommend this novel to parents that might have a George of their own, or to a student that might be going through something similar to what George or even another supporting character was experiencing - of course with parent approval.

A possible activity could be to use the first paragraph on page 56, "Outside, the smell of pine trees wafted in from the yards of the houses that bordered the back of the school, The air was filled with the buzz of a hundred students at recess, punctuated by yells, laughter, and, occasionally, Mrs. Field's whistle. She was a short, wrinkly prune of a woman with poofy gray hair who disapproved of everything and walked with a hunched back that made her look even shorter and wrinklier than she already was", and introduce imagery. (Gino, 2015, p. 56) I would also present the same paragraph without the use of imagery, removing all phrases that appeal to the senses, and discuss how good writers can paint a scene with their words.

This is a video of Alex Gino talking about George along with transgender and gender diversity in literature.

This is a website dedicated to Alex Gino and offers links to his other titles.