Melissa was pretty alright, though not a book I'd need to reread

  As I read and finish Melissa by Alex Gino, I must often remind myself that it is a book meant for children and young readers. I feel as though I like part of the story and other aspects I could go without. I don’t particularly enjoy having to do an in-depth analysis of a book created and written for younger audiences, but there is much to be discussed about this book. 

First off, what is both a positive and negative aspect for this book is its easy digestibility. The feminine and masculine stereotypes are condensed into bite-sized pieces for younger children to understand and possibly even relate to, which just means that the book will be easily enjoyed. This is great because it sets up a linear understanding that Melissa hates all stereotypical boy things such as her ratty sneakers, but loves all stereotypical girl things like makeup and skirts and pretty swimsuits (which is valid because those things are fun!). Yet, there is a detriment to this mutual exclusivity of stereotypes. It doesn’t reflect real life. We discussed this in class a bit that some of the traits and stereotypes (mostly negative) of masculinity are portrayed by the male identifying characters – all of Scott’s teenage grossness, Jeff’s inability to communicate and regulate his emotions, Melissa’s dad being out of the picture (let’s put a pin in this topic and return to it soon). These can then become seen only as negative by those young children that are reading the book who aren’t able to read and understand the nuances of stereotypes and the fluidity of being able to do whatever makes you comfortable without so much black-and-white distinction. It’s something I applaud for younger audiences, but frown at for a college aged reader trying to analyze this story. 

Returning to my pin! One thing that I so deeply appreciate and literally have no true negative comment on, is the depiction of family life in the book. Of course we can nitpick things such as Kelly’s dad enabling her to act similarly to an adult when she’s literally a fourth grader, but I have never read a children’s book with such non-perfect families. Melissa has divorced parents, an exceptionally hard working, single mother, and a father who is not in the picture nor really the story besides possibly two mentions. I’ve never read a book where there has been such extensive mention of divorced parents and the impact that it may have on a child, specifically when the principal wonders if there’s anything going on at home after Melissa picks a fight with Jeff. Beyond that, Kelly’s situation of her single father and her not really knowing her mother is also something that’s never mentioned in children’s stories. The housing situations of both – Melissa living in a duplex and Kelly living in a basement apartment – are descriptions I’ve never seen. I have such respect for Alex Gino being able to add this into the story. Beyond Melissa being a story for younger children who are questioning their own gender identities, this book also opens up the possibilities of bringing awareness to those who have different family lives or living situations compared to their peers. 

Of course it’s an easy read, Melissa is poignant and purposeful and tells a good story that’s important for younger audiences to read. I think there are other stories that could be coupled with it that provide more intrigue than the linear story that the book follows – especially since it has such a content ending that doesn’t feel as though it should be the end. Overall though, this book was sweet. A great close to the semester as a whole.