(George)

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!

This was one of the heralds of the movement of children's literature reflecting real life. As the protagonist deals with family and school stress, he relies on his inner voice, named George. It should not be thought that George is simply the personification of the devil or angel on one's shoulder. He is a repressed 2nd personality. This would be an excellent book to use as bibliotherapy and, additionally, belongs in the library of every gifted teacher. Konigsburg, as always, treats characters humanely, wittily, and respectfully. (George) is one of those all too rare titles that the reader will remember years after reading it.