I read this for the Trans Rights Readathon, on a whim. I had already chosen other titles when I learned what Melissa is about. Alex Gino does a good job showing how Melissa feels and the struggles she has with being able to be herself. 

I appreciate that there is a mix of characters with varying levels of support. It avoids presenting too perfect of a world while also showing there’s reason to be hopeful and to be who you are. I think books like this are important for young readers. There’s so much going on, so many things to figure out. Sometimes it helps to have a fictional world to use as a means of exploring and realizing who you are. 

Of course, my favorite scenes are the second performance of the play and the trip to the Bronx zoo. The day at the zoo is mix of courage, excitement, nerves, and anxiety. All things that I imagine would be true in that scenario. It’s also a moment of growth for both Kelly and Melissa.