George
by Alex Gino
Scholastic Press 2015
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- identity
- gender identity
- friendship
- courage
- self-acceptance
- bullying
- family support
- standing up for yourself
About this book
George tells the story of a fourth grader who knows she’s a girl, even if everyone else sees her as a boy. When the class puts on Charlotte’s Web, she dreams of playing Charlotte and finds the courage to share who she really is. With help from a loyal friend, she navigates school, family, and a few bullies to make her voice heard. A heartfelt, accessible read for upper elementary and middle-grade readers, it resonates for its warmth, humor, and message of being true to yourself.
Setting: present-day U.S. elementary school and neighborhood
Frequently Asked Questions
Is George right for my child?
Yes — George is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.1, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include identity, gender identity, friendship.
How long does it take to read George?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, George takes around 3.5h to finish. The book has 32,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does George have an AR quiz?
Yes — George has an AR quiz available, worth 5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is George?
George has an AR reading level of 4.1, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.