Melissa
(Book)

"Previously published as George"--Cover.

"Hey folks, just a reminder that I made a huge mistake in the title of my first book, GEORGE. That is a name my MC never wants to hear again. She is fictional and it's in the narrative for a reason, but the title could have been just about anything different. I'm sorry, Melissa."--Tweet from the author, @lxgino, December 2, 2018.

"Just a reminder that you officially have my permission to correct your copy of Melissa's Story...#SharpieActivism"--Tweet from the author, @lxgino, July 1, 2021.

"Alex Gino debuts new title and cover for groundbreaking trans novel." Publisher's Weekly, October 28, 2021. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/87750-alex-gino-debuts-new-title-and-cover-for-groundbreaking-trans-novel.html

Knowing herself to be a girl despite her outwardly male appearance, George is denied a female role in the class play before teaming up with a friend to reveal her true self.

"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"--

Grades 3 - 7.

Middle school.

Stonewall Book Award, Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Children's Literature Award, 2016 NCTE Charlotte Huck Award for Outstanding Fiction for Children Recommended Book, 2016 Rainbow Book List Award, 2016 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2016. Lambda Literary Award, 2015