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The Thing About Georgie
What is the thing about YOU?
©2012 Lisa Graff. All rights reserved Lisa Graff.
The thing about poodles is that Georgie hates to walk them.
The thing about Jeanie the Meanie is that she would rather write on her shoe than help Georgie with their Abraham Lincoln project.
The thing about Georgie's mom is that she's having a baby—a baby who will probably be taller than Georgie very, very soon.
And the thing about Georgie . . . well, what is the thing about Georgie?
Resources for teachers and book groups
Georgie Reading Group Guide >
Learn more about Georgie and dwarfism >
Awards and honors
The Thing About Georgie has been named to ten state reading lists!
Learn more about Georgie and dwarfism >
Awards and honors
The Thing About Georgie has been named to ten state reading lists!
- Bluestem Children's Choice Award Master List (Illinois) 2013
- Cochecho Readers Master List (New Hampshire) 2009-2010
- Georgia Children's Book Award Nominee 2008-2009
- Maine Student Book Award Nominee 2008-2009
- Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Master List 2008-2009
Reviews
Booklist
Nine-year-old Georgie has height issues. As a dwarf, he isn't likely to grow much taller than his current 42 inches. Consequently school furniture is awkward, running track or playing a musical instrument isn't possible, and he knows his soon-to-be new sibling will quickly outgrow him physically. To make matters worse, he's had a misunderstanding with his best friend, Andy, and is being forced to partner with Jeanie the Meanie for a school report . . . First novelist Graff employs a light touch, turning in a poignant, often funny exploration of what it means to celebrate one's skills rather than lamenting one's limitations . . . An upbeat and sensitive look at what it's like to be different, this novel will spark discussion.
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
This is a remarkable story of maturation, featuring a boy whose growing up is not evident on the tape measure he keeps hidden in the back of his closet. Georgie's anxieties ring absolutely true, from his fears at making new friends to his worry that an average-size sibling will outshine him, and readers will readily embrace the complexity of concerns running through Georgie's head . . . This entertaining and thoughtful read will encourage youngsters to consider the true nature of growth.
The Horn Book
This first novel uses the unconventional tactic of introducing its main character by inviting readers to touch their left ears with their right hands, something that young Georgie cannot do, "because the thing was, Georgie Bishop was a dwarf." . . . [Graff] sensitively and accurately depicts the emotions he struggles with. In Georgie, Graff has created a likable, realistic fourth-grade who is a dwarf, and more.
This first novel uses the unconventional tactic of introducing its main character by inviting readers to touch their left ears with their right hands, something that young Georgie cannot do, "because the thing was, Georgie Bishop was a dwarf." . . . [Graff] sensitively and accurately depicts the emotions he struggles with. In Georgie, Graff has created a likable, realistic fourth-grade who is a dwarf, and more.
Buy the book
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More great books
Have you already finished The Thing About Georgie? Are you looking for other good reads? Check out some of my suggestions and favorites.
Laura Geringer Books
HarperCollins Winter 2007 >
hardcover: 978-0-060-87589-3
paperback: 978-0-060-87591-6
HarperCollins Winter 2007 >
hardcover: 978-0-060-87589-3
paperback: 978-0-060-87591-6
Georgie F.A.Q.
Click the picture for answers to your questions about Georgie, dwarfism, and more.
