199 pgs.
Middle Grades
Finished 12/2/15
Goodreads rating: 3,96
My rating: 4
Setting: Contemporary -- New Jersey? (2 hrs. from the Bronx, a couple hours from Pennsylvania's Poconos)
I like the cover. A lot.
First line/s: (From Chapter 1: Secrets) "George pulled a silver house key out of the smallest pocket of a large red backpack. Mom had sewn the key in so that it wouldn't get lost, but the yarn wasn't quite long enough to reach the keyhole if the bag rested on the ground. Instead, George had to steady herself awkwardly on one foot while the backpack rested on her other knee. She wiggled the key until it clicked into place."
My comments: First of all, I'm thrilled that this book is written for and accessible to younger (ages 9, 10, 11) kids. It IS written very simply, it IS a quick read, but it's real, it has heart, it elicits much more empathy than hearing things on the nasty news. I know I have parents in my classroom that will have a fit if their son/daughter reads it. I'll deal. A needed book.
(Then why not a 5-rating? I'm not sure. It was a really good book, but lacking the little extra something for me that pushes it up to a five.)
Goodreads Summary: 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.
With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte -- but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.
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