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A review by readingbooksbcwhynot123
Melissa by Alex Gino
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
Graphic: Vomit, Dysphoria, Bullying, and Transphobia
Okay so, I read this book by Alex Gino because I remember getting my hands the book Rick, by Alex Gino, in 5th grade. I loved it so much as a closeted queer kid. I was actually surprised to read the mentions of Rick and Jeff! But to be completely transparent (pun intended), this book was beautifully executed. I really hope this book helps some young trans kid understand them themselves, or at the very least feel heard. I don’t know where on the transgender spectrum I am, but reading a book like this still made my inner child jump with joy. Though I’m no longer Melissa’s age, and her life looks very different from mine since she’s only a kid, I remember thinking and acting the way she does. It perfectly captures the world from of the view of a tween. And while Scott might be a jerk, he was still a good brother. And as an older sibling to a queer sister, I feel proud of him. Don’t get me started on Kelly. That girl legit made me beam with joy because of her unconditional love and support for her best friend Melissa. Bless her heart, because it’s definitely in the right place.