BE WHO YOU ARE. When people look at Melissa, they think they see a boy named George. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl. Melissa 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. Melissa 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. With the help of her best friend, Kelly, Melissa comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte -- but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all. Praise for Melissa : Winner of the Stonewall Award Winner of the Lambda Literary Award A Children's Choice Book Award "Profound, moving, and -- as Charlotte would say -- radiant, this book will stay with anyone lucky enough to find it." -- Publishers Weekly , starred review "Warm, funny, and inspiring." -- Kirkus Reviews , starred review Praise for You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P! : "Gino's sophomore effort is every bit as affecting and important as their first." -- School Library Journal , starred review "Necessary and rewarding." -- Kirkus Reviews , starred review Praise for Rick : "An important, innovative, well-plotted book that invites a large readership." -- Booklist, starred review "Enlightening and important." -- School Library Journal, starred review Alex Gino loves glitter, ice cream, gardening, awe-ful puns, and stories that reflect the diversity and complexity of being alive. Their first novel, Melissa , was a winner of the Children’s Stonewall Award, the Lambda Literary Award, and the Children’s Choice Book Award. For more about Alex, please visit them at alexgino.com. From Melissa George reached the end of Charlottes' monologue and was ready for the dialogue with Wilbur that followed. But George didn't hear her cue. She opened her eyes. Ms. Udell was frowning, and a thick crease had formed across her forehead. "George, what was that?" she asked. "I . . ." started George, but there were no words to finish the sentence. "I . . ." "Was that supposed to be some kind of joke? Because it wasn't very funny." "It wasn’t a joke. I want to be Charlotte." George's voice sounded much smaller now that she was speaking her own words. "You know I can't very well cast you as Charlotte. I have too many girls who want the part. Besides, imagine how confused people would be. Now, if you're interested in being Wilbur, that's a possibility. Or maybe Templeton -- he's a funny guy." "No, thanks. I just . . . I wanted . . ."