Melissa (previously published as GEORGE)
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4.2 • 151 Ratings
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
BE WHO YOU ARE.
When people look at Melissa, they think they see a boy named George. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl.
Melissa 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. Melissa 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, Melissa comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte -- but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
We applaud Alex Gino for writing this big-hearted story about a transgender girl struggling to find acceptance. When George auditions for the part of the kindhearted, maternal spider in Charlotte’s Web, she ruffles feathers both at school and at home. Written in a crisp, conversational style, George is a fast read that explores an important topic. Gino has created a thoughtful, brave protagonist who challenges us to embrace different definitions of identity and, above all, to move through the world with kindness.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Though others see her as male, 10-year-old George has long known that she is a girl, and she longs for people to see that truth, even while the idea terrifies her. When George's fourth-grade class has tryouts for a school production of Charlotte's Web, George desperately wants to play Charlotte, a character she adores. George's teacher doesn't allow to George to audition for the part, but her supportive best friend Kelly, who is cast as Charlotte, comes up with a plan that may give George the chance she needs. The taunts of a school bully, George's self-doubts, and her mother's inability to truly hear what George is telling her carry real weight as debut author Gino's simple, direct writing illuminates George's struggles and quiet strength. George's joy during stolen moments when she can be herself will resonate with anyone who has felt different, while providing a necessary window into the specific challenges of a child recognizing that they are transgender. Profound, moving, and as Charlotte would say radiant, this book will stay with anyone lucky enough to find it. Ages 8 12.
Customer Reviews
Awesome book! Great read!
This was a great book. I have started identifying as a boy and this is the best way to show what you have to go through from people assuming you’re gender and sexuality instead of listening to them somewhat understanding and accepting who you are. Once again great book! I recommend for people who what to learn more about different people and how to respect them.
I loved the story
Although I am a 51 year old female. Should it be banned? No. No mention of sex the character was confused if she should be attracted to boys or girls. No one made George into Melissa. He was always Melissa. Kelly was an awesome best friend his brother was supportive and as time went on his mother was also supportive.
Great Book!!
Everybody needs to STOP hating on this book! I saw a review that was so cruel I nearly cried! We need more lgbtqia+ books like this! Plus it’s a beautiful book and it’s not encouraging “satan” as someone said! Respect your own children! We can be whoever we want to be. He, she, they, etc. We’re all equal and people need to stop banning and hating on this book. You’re a great author Alex Gino and don’t let the haters criticize your books!! 🏳️⚧️ 🏳️🌈