She knows who she is. Now, she just needs the courage to tell the world.
“Melissa” (formerly published as “George”) by Alex Gino is a heartwarming and thought-provoking middle-grade novel that gently explores the experiences of a transgender child. The story follows Melissa, a fourth-grade girl whom everyone sees as a boy named George. When her class decides to perform “Charlotte’s Web,” Melissa desperately wants to play Charlotte, but isn’t allowed to audition because her teacher sees her as a boy. With the help of her supportive best friend Kelly, Melissa devises a plan to not only play Charlotte but also reveal her true identity to those around her. This award-winning book has been widely praised for its sensitive portrayal of a young transgender girl’s journey.
This compassionate narrative serves as an exceptional resource for addressing SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by humanizing the transgender experience and challenging systemic barriers that transgender youth face. Melissa exemplifies the IB learner profile traits through her Principled stance on her identity despite opposition, her Risk-taking when she chooses to reveal her true self, and the Open-mindedness she hopes to inspire in others.
Educators can use this book as a springboard for discussions about gender identity, acceptance, and allyship (like Kelly demonstrates). Consider pairing the reading with structured reflection activities where students explore how characters exhibit courage when being authentic. Accessible language and a relatable school setting make “Melissa” particularly appropriate for grades 4-6, though the themes resonate with older students as well.
