Melissa Award-winning author

“Allow me to introduce you to a remarkable book, full of love, wonder, hope, and the importance of getting to be who you were meant to be. You must read this.” – David Levithan, author of Every Day and editor of George.

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.

The timely and touching story from Stonewall Award Winning author Alex Gino
Author of Rick and You Don’t Know Everything, Jilly P!
Gino’s latest book, Alex Austen Lived Here, is out in April 2022

Our April 2022 Ages 11+ Book of the Month

My April Book of the Month for those aged 11 and over has to be Melissa. When people look at Melissa, they think they see a boy. After all, her name given to her by her parents and used at school is George. But she knows she’s not a boy. She knows she’s a girl. And when her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte’s Web, Melissa is beyong excited as she can’t wait to play Charlotte! But her teacher says she can’t even try out for the part . . . because she’s a boy.

Previously titled George, due to huge fan demand we are re-releasing this book under Melissa’s true name! This is the unforgettable debut from Stonewall Award Winning author Alex Gino. This timely and touching story is an essential read for every child. It teaches empathy which is growing more important in children each year and raises their LGBTQ+ awareness. If you are a fan, you can follow up by reading Rick which takes place in the same school, or Gino’s latest book, Alex Austen Lived Here, which is out this April.