Claiming Georgia Tate

By Gigi Amateau

Book Overview

"It's rare and exciting to discover a talented new writer like Gigi Amateau." -- Judy Blume

Twelve-year-old Georgia Tate wishes she could stay home forever with her no-nonsense nana, her preacher granddaddy, and her sassy friend Ginger, celebrating church revivals and the Fourth of July with icy cold watermelon and all the deep-fried fish she can eat. She wishes her deadbeat daddy had never reappeared on the scene, and that Ginger hadn't blurted out the awful truth about Mama. But most of all, when Georgia Tate loses her nana to a sudden heart attack, she desperately wishes she could find a way to tell Granddaddy why she can't possibly leave Mississippi to move in with Daddy -- about the things he does that make her feel so ashamed her mind takes her off to a faraway, made-up place.

With a vivid narrative voice and an extraordinary cast of characters, first-time author Gigi Amateau tells an unflinching and unforgettable tale of a sensitive girl caught in the trauma of incestuous abuse. But Claiming Georgia Tate is also a joyful story of survival -- an ode to the solace of true family, the mercy of strangers, and the possibility of hope and healing.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0763623393
• ISBN13: 9780763623395
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: Candlewick Press
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 14 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 9 and higher

Customer Reviews

Great book - delightful author.

GiGi Amateau is a delightful writer with great insight on the human condition. I read this book very quickly and delighted in the characters, especially Sissy (who I found to be realistic and despecable). Great job, Gigi--looking forward to your other works. --T. Butler

Claiming Georgia Tate

This is one of the truly lovely books i have read. I did not find it disturbing as it is set in the harsh reality of our environment. I was crying when Georgia's nana died. Gigi's description of the characters are flawless and I loved everyone of them. Ginger, nana, grandpa tate, aunt mazel, Tamika, JJ and his mum and Leroy. The all came alive before the pages and told a truly marvellous story of one brave little girl. The novel is writeen in such a way that shows Georgia's hate, love, joy, fear and passion. I recommend this book to children 12 and over.

it's time to take our heads out of the sand

Much has been written and reported about this splendid book that misrepresents the book entirely. This is not a book about sex; it is a book about SURVIVAL, a young girl who manages to survive being molested by her own father. Unfortunately, I know the statistics on incest and rape, even for young people Georgia's age. It is a brutal reality, and I would prefer that my kids read about this in the safe confines of a book and then have the chance to talk to me about the harsh realities they will face. Any parent can, of course, elect not to have their child read this book. That is parental responsibility. However, to limit anyone else's access to the book is wrong. CLAIMING GEORGIA TATE is an incredibly well-written and riveting read. It treads the territory of incest carefully and with concern for the character. Given the quality of the literature and the redemptive hope with which this novel ends, it might behoove parents to read this one and decide for themselves if it is something to share with kids. Amateau is a powerful new voice in the field, one I hope to hear from again and soon.

Fabulous Read

This book took my breath away with its depth and hauntingly beautiful language. I loved Georgia Tate. She's a girl with heart, strength, and courage and one with a spirit all mothers hope their young daughters will possess. I look forward to much more from this talented author.

This book is not just for young girl, but for everyone

While out there as a book for young girls, this book speaks to anyone with a heart and a love for good stories. I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to finish it, and found myself wiping away tears, and making a mental list of the friends and family members i needed to buy this book for. A book about a young girl, but really a book about life and working through hard times, and finding out what you love. Get it. You won't regret it.