A review by just_one_more_paige
Melissa by Alex Gino

emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

 
“It felt funny to hear Kelly call her a girl – but in a good way, like a tickling in her stomach that reminded her she was real.” 

I don't read a lot of middle grade/juvenile fiction. But every once in a while, I feel like I need to, because I have to see what the fuss or hype is about. And here is a big one. I have been hearing a lot about Melissa (previously published as George), as the wave of ridiculous book-banning has swept the conservatives of the United States. And while I vehemently disagree with book banning on principle, I also like to form my own opinions (shouldn't we all??). This led me to read Genderqueer a year (ish) ago, and I thought that was *amazing.* So when I noticed the updated publication of Melissa (with the new title) enter my library's collection, I went ahead and checked it out. 
 
Though her family and all her friends in school know her as George, that isn't who she truly is. She is a girl and her name is Melissa. As her class prepares to put on a play of Charlotte's Web, Melissa wants, more than anything, to play Charlotte. But her teacher won't let her try out for the part...because it's a girl's role. Melissa is devastated, and even more jealous when her best friend, Kelly, gets the lead role. When Melissa confides in Kelly about her true self, together they hatch a plan where Melissa can not only play Charlotte, but also show everyone who she really is. 
 
Well, this was absolutely freaking adorable. A pox on anyone who wants to ban kids from reading this wholesome, heartwarming story about a young girl showing the world who she truly is, despite bullies and some clueless adults, with the help of the most wonderful best friend and a (surprisingly, because usually he's obnoxious - though aren't all brothers like that?) supportive older brother. There were a few more heart wrenching moments, when Melissa is trying to figure out how to tell people who she is and just...cannot find the words. It hurts to read how badly she wants to tell people, wants them to see her, but can't get it out. And then, even when she finally does, she has to say it more than once to really make those people understand what she means. And while some eventually get it and are fine, enthusiastic even, like Kelly and her brother, some are less immediately supportive (notably her mother). It just sucks to know that if this was just more talked about/accepted, there wouldn't be elementary school kids (and older youth and adults too, of course) in this kind of traumatic social-emotional bind, acting as someone they aren't to keep those around them happy/comfortable. People could just be whoever they are. This is especially poignant when considering that Melissa's mother's major concern is how hard things will be for Melissa, and wanting to make things easier on their children. And yet, Melissa points out that living as someone she is not is *just* as hard, if not more so. This is such a hard, but important and necessary, lesson for adult readers whose hearts are in the right place, but need to redirect how to be a support. On this note, one more shoutout here to siblings and friends who are in touch enough to be like "oh yea, that makes sense" and move on. 
(Sibling support alwaysssssss gets me right in the feels, ugh. And that last chapter, when Kelly and Melissa go to the zoo together: oh my heart.)          
 
One of the things I appreciated most about this middle grade story is the way it was written. Everyone else using he/him pronouns and calling Melissa "George," while the narrator (Melissa's internal voice) never waivers from referring to herself as she/her, is a lovely delineation and communication of what being trans means/feels for young kids. I thought it was such a great and accessible way for younger readers to understand what that means and feels like. Also, again, important for adults, as we see how Melissa reacts internally to things said by her mother and teacher, to remind them that comments that may feel light and throwaway to them may not be interpreted that same way for the youth around them. Totally random additional note: I too have some really fond memories of reading Charlotte's Web  in school, both around this age and later again, in high school, in Spanish class. So that was a sweet throwback aspect to this reading experience. 
 
Just, how can anyone possibly be upset about this gorgeous and pure story about a young person moving past the limitations to who they are "allowed" to be, stepping into their own truth, and finding such bliss in the opportunity to choose who they are, for themselves, and show everyone their real self. What Melissa does is brave, life changing, life saving, and just plain inspiring. What a quick, refreshing, moving reading experience - and how important that books like this are available to children/students who need, and deserve, to see themselves in literature like this.  
 

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