Krista Reviews: Gigi Amateau’s – “Claiming Georgia Tate”

Twelve-year-old Georgia Tate wishes she could stay home in Mississippi forever with her preacher granddaddy and her best friend Ginger. After losing her nana to a heart attack, she desperately wishes she could tell her granddaddy why she can’t possibly move in with Daddy — about the things he does that make her feel so ashamed. With a vivid narrative voice, Gigi Amateau tells an unflinching tale of a sensitive girl caught in the trauma of incestuous abuse. But it is also a story of survival — an ode to the solace of family, the mercy of strangers, and the possibility of hope and healing. 

Paperback, 208 pages Published April 10th 2007 by Candlewick Press (first published May 24th 2005)

This story confronts several heavy topics in one go. Georgia Tate has been raised by her grandparents (her father is unfit to parent and her mother is dead). Her grandfather is a preacher and nana is the one who makes sure she is well-behaved and raised with good manners. She’s raised in a close community and the family is well-known as her grandfather preaches for several churches in the area. When nana dies, her grandfather decides it’s best to send her to live with her father in Florida.

The life she has with her father requires Georgia to grow up very fast. At the age of 12, he makes her go to bars with him while he drinks and has her drive him home. He has her dress inappropriately and, when his girlfriend leaves him, he becomes dangerous for Georgia to be alone with. Georgia is open-minded and friendly. She makes friends with some of her neighbours and, as things get worse for her, she leans on them for support.

For a very powerful story aimed at younger readers, the writing is not too descriptive, but the message comes across clearly. Georgia’s character is strong and you can see the cycles of her thoughts as she goes through these experiences and how to approach others. The book is about overcoming challenges and staying strong. I admired Georgia Tate and her love for people in general. Even though she goes through a lot at a young age, she always has hope and an open heart for others.

This is a story I would recommend, especially for fans of Judy Blume or Cynthia Voigt.