George: Discussion

Another awesome read from this book club! Our final book for Page turners was George
by Alex Gino. Although George isn’t a true story, I know it’s true to many children and adults in this world. George is a great children’s book to teach acceptance in others and I’m so thankful more books like this are being published. Did you get a chance to read it? I gave it a 5/5 stars. I’ve got 3 questions below, and Lisa’s got 3 as well over on her blog. Feel free to discuss any or all of the questions in the comment section or link-up your post at the bottom. Lisa and I are sharing the same link-up, so you don’t have to enter on both blogs. The linky will close in a week. Alright, let’s get started!

George by Alex Gino

George is a very fast read as it is meant for children but it has a big story. It was definitely written for kids but I loved the detail to the book’s environment. I hope this book or a similar story is made into a movie. The struggle of gender equality, gender awareness and gender acceptance is much better now than it has been in the past but it is still a problem throughout the world.

And now, for the discussion. Before I begin, I’ll remind you that there may be spoilers ahead. Also, feel free to use my questions as jumping points. Ask your own questions and start your own discussions.

George by Alex GinoGeorge: Discussion

1.  Who was your favorite character? My favorite character was Kelly. The relationship between her and Melissa was so pure. Sweet, strong, and silly all at once—just as friendships between little girls should be. I loved that the author had Kelly think for a little while about her best friend’s news before she fully accepted her. Her love and respect for her father is also really endearing and makes me happy that such little girls exist in this world.

2. What did you think about the teacher’s reactions in this book? I was frustrated but not surprised by Mrs. Udell’s reaction when George tried out for the part of Charlotte. She had a right to be confused and caught off guard but not to completely discount her as someone trying out for the role. In my opinion, she should have let George try out for the part and if she had issues with him playing a ‘girls’ role, she should have kept that to herself. I loved that the principal stood up for George and having an open door for her to feel welcome. 

3. I loved this quote from Muggle Net: George may not only help guide such children to a place of self-esteem and acceptance but also help their peers (and teachers!) be more compassionate allies. Do you think it would be a good idea to have this book in the classroom? 100% yes. Children need to know what transgender is so that children like Melissa are able to identify the struggle they may not know how to name. My hope is that by the time Sophie is in elementary school, children are able to try out for whatever gender role they please in a school play.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading along with us this year! Lisa and I will continue to read but are not able to keep up with Page Turners any longer. With us working on our new house and the holidays ahead, I hardly have time to read the books I must read, let alone for pleasure. If you do read any particularly great books, please let me know!

Now, it’s your turn! Answer any or all of the questions in the comment section below. Ask questions of your own. Or, link-up a blog post with your review and/or the answers to these questions. Also be sure to check out Lisa’s discussion questions on her blog. We’re sharing the same linky, so no need to link-up on both blogs.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. All I can say is that I cannot wait to answer your’s and Lisa’s questions for this one. I had this one done in less than a day…yep, I really thought that it was that amazing! I am so sad that this is our last book of the year! LOL! I have absolutely loved being a part of this undertaking with you guys, this year. Thank you so much and if you do pick it up again next year…I am so on board!

    Hope things are going well for you guys!

    • I’m SO GLAD you liked our last book! I am sad it’s our last book as well but we’ve had so much fun doing it with you! We will definitely let you know if we do another round. 🙂 Have a great Halloween weekend Stacey!

  2. Totally agree that this book should be read in schools. Not only for transgender kids but like you said, for their peers, teachers and parents. This needs to be a more common topic especially among kids. My heart goes out to kids who go through this but may not have the resources to figure it out. Thanks so much for having done the book club Shelly! This is the only way I found out about the book, I wouldn’t have known about it otherwise! Please let me know if you have other recommendations.

    • I’m so glad you read along and enjoyed George. I really enjoyed it and hope it catches on with families around the world. I know you’ve been following along with our Page Turners book club so you’ve probably already read Wonder, but it has a similar feel. I’m currently only reading non-fiction (a personal organizing book, Design Mom, Daring Greatly, Fringe Hours, The Gift of Fear and your book!) Enjoying all of them right now! 🙂

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