Parents' Guide to

Melissa

By Kate Pavao, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Fourth grader identifies as a girl in tender tale.

Book Alex Gino Coming of Age 2015
Melissa Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 11+

Based on 22 parent reviews

M S.
M S. Parent of 10 and 12-year-old
April 25, 2021
age 14+

Poorly written and not appropriate

While I understand there is an audience for this book-- children who are exploring transitioning -- I do not feel it is a significant literary work. The author is careless in the use of language, throws around gender stereotypes and presents characters who are underdeveloped. It is a junior high stories embedded in an elementary level book. I would definitely not recommend this book for anyone younger than 14 years old. Please note the following direct quotes where "she" refers to George who was born a male but is now a trans girl: “She immersed her body in the in the warm water and tried not to think about what was between her legs, but there it was, bobbing in front of her.” “Hey Rick. It looks like someone is finally starting to grow some balls.” “Nothing makes her more uncomfortable than when boys talked about what was in her underpants.” “George had been reading websites about transitioning since Scott taught her how to clear the web browser history on Mom’s computer.” “….what she has between her legs was nobody’s business but hers and her boyfriend.” “Boys are dirty and try to look up our skirt.” “She would do cartwheels leaving her pink underwear showing.” “She lifted her skirt to see her underwear, covered in tiny red hearts, she pulled it down, sat and peed, just like a girl.” “Maybe 20 years from now a drunk, macho guy stumbles down the hallway ….”
Prattylessfatty
Prattylessfatty Parent of 6 and 13-year-old
February 13, 2019
age 13+

I work with 4th graders. This book is NOT for 4th graders

The poorly-written characters in this book act like pre-teen/teenagers. Teaching how to clear internet history. Talk of pornographic magazines. Discussions of feelings of sexuality. Confusing (and inaccurate) medical explanations. These kids are reading books about babysitting and building forts . Why on Earth would an author think these subjects are appropriate for that age group? Regardless of your beliefs on the main subject - I advise parents to read this book first .
See all 22 parent reviews

What's the Story?

MELISSA is about a transgender fourth grader. She may have been named George at birth in a boy's body, but she knows she's really a girl. For example, when her class stages Charlotte's Web, she wants to audition for Charlotte, not a boy's part. She gets teased by boys in class ("You're such a freak. You're a freak. Freak. Freak"), but finds amazing support in her best friend, Kelly, and in her older brother. But what will her mother say when she gets the courage to tell her she's a girl named Melissa?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (22 ):
Kids say (37 ):

Alex Gino's simply and tenderly written story will help kids -- and parents -- understand what it feels like to be transgender. Melissa hates the body she was born with, gets teased at school, and worries her mother won't accept her if she learns her big secret. Readers will quickly understand that the fourth grader called George is really a girl and cheer her growing ability to live as herself.

There's not a lot of new territory covered here, but there are some simple and lovely moments, such as when Melissa's older brother says, "Weird. But it makes sense," when he hears her secret, or when her supportive friend Kelly helps her pick an outfit so that she can spend a day as Melissa.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what it means to be transgender, as portrayed in Melissa. What would it feel like to be born into the wrong physical body?

  • Is it getting easier for kids today to let their true selves shine through?

  • Melissa gets bullied and even gets into a physical fight. What would you do if you saw one of your classmates being picked on?

Book Details

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