Common Sense Media Review
By Kate Pavao
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fourth grader identifies as a girl in tender tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 23 parent reviews
Parents say the book is a compelling yet controversial exploration of gender identity that provokes a variety of reactions regarding its appropriateness for younger readers. While some appreciate its empathetic portrayal of a transgender girl's journey and the importance of representation, others express concerns about the mature themes and content that may confuse younger audiences.
- empathy development
- representation matters
- controversial content
- age appropriateness
- audience sensitivity
Summarized with AI
Based on 40 kid reviews
Kids say this book offers a heartfelt and accessible exploration of transgender identity, resonating with many readers, particularly those within the LGBTQIA+ community. However, there are mixed feelings about its appropriateness for younger audiences, with some praising its educational value and others expressing concern over certain mature topics mentioned throughout the narrative.
- trans representation
- educational value
- mixed appropriateness
- heartfelt story
- audience understanding
Summarized with AI
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?
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
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Press
- Publication date : August 25, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 240
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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