Books Like The Thing About Georgie

About The Thing About Georgie

Reach for this book when your child is feeling overlooked, physically different from their peers, or anxious about a major family change like a new sibling. While the protagonist, Georgie, has dwarfism, his internal struggle is one any child can relate to: the fear that they won't measure up or that they are being replaced by someone bigger or better. It is a warm, realistic look at identity and self-worth. As Georgie navigates a difficult school project and the news that his mother is pregnant with a baby who will eventually outgrow him, readers see a sensitive portrayal of jealousy and resilience. This is a perfect choice for middle-grade readers (ages 8 to 12) because it avoids pity, focusing instead on Georgie's agency and the messy reality of friendships and family growth. Parents will appreciate how it models healthy ways to handle frustration and the realization that everyone has their own thing to deal with.