Melissa // Alex Gino

This was a sweet and touching quick read. So much was packed into this short book. Our main character wants to play Charlotte, from E.B. White's Charlotte's Web, in the school play. But there are many obstacles for Melissa, whom we first meet as George, and we get to watch her overcome them all in realistic and painful yet ultimately hopeful ways. 

It takes a great writer to truly make the reader feel what the character is feeling, and Gino is such a writer. I felt as awkward and wary in my skin as I was reading, as I imagined Melissa must feel in her circumstances in her skin. The sensory details were what really connected the reader to the character. I could feel every texture, taste flavors, and smell the odors. Some of my favorites were the descriptions of school sounds, and how the chocolate milk sweetness covers up the words Melissa wants to say to her mom. 

Journal prompts from her teacher helps the reader follow along with Melissa's thoughts and feelings - asking in vague ways the things that she can't yet express. "What's your emotional reaction to Charlotte dying?" "Of you could be a color, what color would you want to be?" 

This book was a journey, and I'm looking forward to reading Gino's other works soon. 

*This book was originally published as George.