Written by Gina Paul
“Your success tomorrow depends on your decisions today"
-Gina Paul
Book Description:
Georgette is new to the country. She is starting the fifth grade and does not speak any English.
She is trying to participate and make friends in class, but it is not going well. No one speaks her
language. However, she is determined and eager to show everyone that she is not lazy, she
just doesn’t understand. Follow Georgette as she fights through her fears and fumbles with
her words on her journey to learn English and make friends.
About the Author
Gina Paul is an inner-city early childhood special education teacher and will soon be a licensed bilingual teacher. She came to the United States at the age of ten and spoke no English. She learned the language through watching educational children’s programs on television. Gina is a strong believer in bridging the gap between cultures and communities, which she believes can be accomplished by educating young people about history, creating opportunities to share stories, recognizing individual differences, and having a healthy appreciation for diversity.
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Testimonials
I am not being lazy, I just don't understand," is a brilliant book from the perspective a newly arrived emergent bilingual. The story is told sensitively through the eyes of Georgette, a lively and thoughtful 10 years old, from Haiti. Once she arrives to her new school, she is the only child who speaks Haitian-Creole, and everything is new to her - the rituals of the cafeteria, the classroom, the food, and, most importantly, how to make friends. Her inner confidence and her will to never give up, will be an inspiration to students who read this book. Teachers and students alike will empathize with Georgette as she navigates her new world, and finds ways to be herself and successful. They may even find a new way to understand the struggle and triumph of students like Georgette. What a fantastic, inspiring, and current story that is captures the spirit of the times! A must read for students grade 1-5.
Laura Ascenzi-Moreno, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Bilingual Program Coordinator
Ms. Paul did an amazing job at capturing the immigrant experience of perhaps most young people that arrive in the United States. The book is relatable to any young person experiencing the anxiety and fear that comes with being in a new place while giving them hope that they will overcome. It also promotes tolerance and allows other children the inside view of seeing what their newly arrived classmates may be experiencing. It is a true testament to the resilience of young people but above all the goodness that exist.
Nadege Fleurimond
Chief ROARior, ROAR Consulting, LLC
Author, Haiti Uncovered
I am not being lazy, I just don't understand," is a book that has lessons for everyone who seeks to have an idea of what immigrant children face when they come to the United States. Gina's portrayal of Georgette, a young Hatian-Creole girl, forces the reader to examine self-held biases and prejudices in a keen and non-judgmental manner. As you read about this young lady's fears, questions and aspirations, you realize that there is a 'Georgette' in every one of us. There is someone who longs to be recognized for the talents and abilities that they possess as opposed to being placed in a box of harsh, unrelenting standards. You will struggle where the protagonist struggles; you will also claim victory when Georgette is finally recognized for the amazing young woman that she is.
Rachel Carr
NYC Educator
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"A hidden dream will never become reality."
—Gina Paul