For the longest time, LGBTQ fiction for younger readers was relegated to the YA/Teen sections of libraries and bookstores. Writers were addressing the hell that is adolescence, with the added stressors of coming out, dealing with bullies and not-always-supportive families, and the awkwardness of that first kiss. But let’s be real – kids are smarter these days. I have three of my own who tell me this all the time (including the toddler). They are savvier, and figuring themselves out earlier. They’re coming out earlier, and we need to have books ready to help ALL ages tell their stories, to see a character in a book and say, “Yeah! That’s me!”

We also need more transgender books. I see tons of gay and lesbian coming out stories, but transgender, other than Julie Anne Peters’ Luna, were slim pickings. Thankfully, this all seems to be changing for the better. First, we had I Am Jazz, a picture book by the transgender teen whose reality show invites people into her family’s life, so we can see a supportive family undergo transition together.

Now, we have George, by Alex Gino. This is a middle grade book, which really, REALLY makes me happy, because this is the age, man. Middle grade – usually about grades 4-6- is where things start to fall apart. The hormones flare, the drama ratchets up, they’re on the verge of teenhood, and they need support. To have a book with a transgender main character and her supportive best friend available? I want to run into the schools in my libraries’ areas and put this book on all their shelves. I want to beg the GLSENs and PFLAGs across the country to hand these books out at all their meetings. SUPPORT YOUR TWEENS. You have no idea how much these kids need us.

George looks like a boy. Her mom, the kids and teachers at school, they all see a boy, even if they bully her and call her a girl. Even her best friend, Kelly, looks at George and sees a boy. The thing is, middle schooler George just knows that she’s a girl. It’s a painful secret that she has to keep.

When her teacher announces that the class will put on a play based on Charlotte’s Web, George wants to be Charlotte so badly. This could be her chance to finally show people who she is. Will her teacher, her classmates, or her mom understand?

George gives us a positive, upbeat story with a transgender central character. Imagine that! George is sweet and introspective; self-aware at a young age, and owns it. She’s determined to be Charlotte, knowing that everyone will understand who she is once they see her.

Kelly wins prizes for the best friend ever. She accepts and embraces George for who she is – you’ll tear up very happily as you follow their relationship’s progression to the end of the book.

Bullies aside – because bullies are inevitable – every character in this book offers a positive, realistic support system for George, a transgender tween at the beginning of her journey. Realistic, because we see that some have some difficulty, even discomfort, understanding George’s feelings and reality, but have enough love to work through it with her and come to a path they can all walk together.

Not only do I think that this is this one of the most important books you’ll read this year, it’s one of the most captivating.

Author Alex Gino is a trans activist with a website that offers resources for youth that every parent and educator should bookmark. You’ll also find an author schedule and further information.