Acceptance and popularity
George moves from being unpopular and socially rejected to receiving intense attention after using the aftershave.
Book details
Frank Cottrell Boyce - Author
A playful fantasy premise turns social anxiety into comic trouble: George’s sudden popularity brings attention, rivalry and questions about whether people like him or what he appears to offer.
Book Brief
Sign in to see how this book fits your child and family preferences.
Sign in for personalised guidanceA playful fantasy premise turns social anxiety into comic trouble: George’s sudden popularity brings attention, rivalry and questions about whether people like him or what he appears to offer.
George moves from being unpopular and socially rejected to receiving intense attention after using the aftershave.
The aftershave is described as making girls and teachers find George irresistible, while one reader objects to the story’s stereotypes.
Consider whether the story’s use of girls’ instant attraction feels funny, uncomfortable or stereotyped, and whether George’s treatment by peers changes when he becomes socially desirable.
This is a grounded book brief while Suitabook strengthens the analysis: some draft conclusions still depend on unresolved evidence.
Limited information
Checked: 20 September 2026.
Anything not established here remains open; it is not being treated as absent or safe.
These links show the original reading lists. Inclusion is not a guarantee of suitability for your child.