I can see why so many people love this book. George is a girl.  She knows she is a girl.  However, everyone in her family and at school see her as  a biological boy.  George’s deepest desire is to live as herself, but to also be Charlotte in the school play.  But Charlotte the spider is a girl's part.  So that may not happen.  I love how open Geroge’s best friend is.  She is caring and loving, and once told is all on board with George and helps Melissa come out into the world.  I wish the mom was a bit more supportive.  We see her tell George that she doesn’t want one of “those” boys - i.e a boy in girls clothes.  As a reader you feel it's because she wants George to have an easy life, but she doesn’t realize how uneasy their life is now.  I know there are some who think this book should not exist at all, and others who think it should exist, but still find it problematic.  I am not one of those people.  Overall I really liked and enjoyed this book.  I just thought it ended in a weird place.  Almost like one of those after school specials from the late 80.  It was abrupt.  The story is done and over, but I wanted to know more and had so many questions left unanswered.  I do know there is a sequel called Rick who was the school bully in this book, so I think I am going to check that out as well.