Reviews with content warning for Vomit - Melissa

You need to look at this book as character-driven, not plot-driven. The plot is light, only there as a backdrop for Melissa’s development, which is deep, thoughtful, and well-paced. Her story is about gaining confidence in who she is and mustering the courage to be who she is and come out to people. I was in awe of her bravery!

Kelly, Melissa’s best friend, was an absolute legend of an friend and ally. I loved every page she was on due to her standout personality. Also, I (surprisingly) liked Scott, Melissa’s brother! He had that likeable chill, unquestioning support.

Ultimately this book is about trans joy and hope, even though Melissa struggles to get there. It is so important that books like this exist, not only for visibility but also so queer and questioning kids can see that their future is bright. Read banned books!!

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rachelizx's review against another edition

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fast-paced

3.0

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emhunsber's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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marigold82's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

If this book was allowed in every middle school perhaps we would have a lot less violence towards Transgender people. An important read.

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booknerdxo88's review against another edition

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challenging emotional inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

George is 10 years old and identifies as a girl, but she is terrified to tell anyone. When the fourth grade class puts on a play of Charlotte’s Web, George wants to play the part of Charlotte.

I think the message within the pages of the book is a super important one, but I didn’t like the writing and I was slightly bored. I wanted to read this book because anytime a book is banned it’s gonna show up on my radar. “George” has also been republished with the new title “Melissa” to honor the true identity of the character.

TW: transphobia, homophobia, bullying, deadnaming, vomit

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missrosymaplemoth's review against another edition

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5.0

I read the “George” version. I’m so glad my library had this book. I’d heard a lot about it, mainly that it had been viciously banned. I’m so glad I read it.

“Melissa” is the story of a girl who others see as a boy. Such a sweet, emotional, moving, innocent portrayal of someone trying to be exactly who they are. I gained insight on thought processes of transgender individuals when met with cliche responses (ex: “Who knows how you’ll feel in a few years?”). Everyone should read this book!

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blombern's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

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readingbooksbcwhynot123's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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