I am so glad I finally picked up Melissa. This middle grade story brought a smile to my face. It’s such a needed story today. I had a copy of the book before, but I’m glad they were able to change the title. Keep reading this book review of Melissa for my full thoughts.
Summary
When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she’s not a boy. She knows she’s a girl.
George thinks she’ll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte’s Web. George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can’t even try out for the part . . . because she’s a boy.
With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte — but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.
Review
Melissa is more important now than ever. With the amount of legislature and discrimination against trans kids, Melissa is a must read. It’s about identity and coming out, but it’s also about searching for people who we can see ourselves in. For those who fit into the ‘default’, they don’t know how alienating it can feel to look for people we can see ourselves in. For people who make us believe a future is possible. Melissa is about finding people who love us, surprise us, and see us for who we are. It’s so incredibly disheartening to know it’s banned and know that kids who need this book are being denied.
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But that’s why it’s more important than ever to have books like Melissa. Even more so, it’s become more timely to give kids the space to see themselves. Melissa is heartfelt and tender and the world needs to catch up. If you want a story about friendship, community, and queer identity this is for you! Find Melissa on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop. org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.