BE WHO YOU ARE. 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.
Why we like it: The importance of this book is exemplified in the dedication. The author, Alex Gino, writes, “To You, For when you felt different.” George is a transgender. All she wants is to be accepted and loved for who she is. This is a very special and rare LGBTQ coming-out story for young readers (ages 8-12). It will open readers’ eyes and hearts to issues of difference and identity.