Customer Reviews

George

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It's hard to believe this book was originally published in June of 1970, before I was even born! I encountered it in 5th grade and until this day always assumed it had been written by Ellen Raskin... So if you like The Westing Game et al, you will probably enjoy this book as well.

Benjamin Dickinson Carr is a sixth grader whose scientifically-inclined mind is smart enough for any two kids--which is fortunate because he shares his brain with an alternate personality named George. This disorder turns out to be more of a character trait than plot point, which makes it all the more creepy.

Highly recommended!

Have you ever wondered where that little voice inside of you comes from that helps you make decisions? Konigsburg had created a book about an accelerated sixth grader, who knows exactly where the little voice is coming from: George, the little man who lives inside him. Readers journey through chapter after chapter of drama, suspense, and humorous anecdotes as Ben battles accusations of theft, his longing for acceptance, and suspicions of having a multiple personality. Throughout the novel, George helps Ben with academics, his relationships, and discovering the truth behind the mysterious thefts, which have occurred from Ben's science classroom. In an unusual story line, Konigsburg develops Ben's character and shows his growth as a brilliant youngster struggling for acceptance in all realms of his life.

Teachers should cautiously use this book in their classrooms because of its mature subject matter. The book deals with issues of psychological problems, drug use, and ways to "beat the school system." Mature readers may use this book to evaluate the characters and the relationships between the characters in the novel. Additionally, students may use this book to learn more about society at the time in which the book was written.