Alex Gino facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alex Gino
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Gino at the 2016 Berlin International Literature Festival
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| Born | October 1, 1977 Staten Island, New York, U.S.
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| Occupation | Author |
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Notable work
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Melissa |
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Alex Gino (born October 1, 1977) is an American children's book writer. Gino is known for writing stories that help young readers understand themselves and others. Their first book, Melissa, won the 2016 Stonewall Book Award and the 2016 Lambda Literary Award for children's and young adult books.
Contents
Alex Gino's Books
Melissa (2015)
Alex Gino's most famous book is Melissa, which came out in 2015. It's a story for middle schoolers about a young girl who knows she is a girl, even if others see her differently. Gino started writing this book in 2003.
The book was first called George, but Gino later decided to change the title to Melissa's Story in 2021. This was to better reflect the main character's true identity.
Melissa received excellent reviews from many book critics like Booklist and Publishers Weekly. However, some parents and teachers found the book challenging. It was often discussed and sometimes removed from library shelves between 2016 and 2020.
You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P! (2018)
In 2018, Gino released another book for middle schoolers called You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P!. This novel explores important topics like Deaf culture and the Black Lives Matter movement. It also received great reviews from Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal.
Rick (2020)
Their 2020 novel, Rick, is a follow-up story to Melissa. It's about a student named Rick who is discovering more about himself and his place in the world. This book also earned positive reviews from critics.
Alice Austen Lived Here (2022)
In 2022, Gino published Alice Austen Lived Here, a book for young adults. It follows two seventh graders, Sam and TJ, in Staten Island as they research Alice Austen. She was a photographer from the 1800s who was almost forgotten. The book explores themes of history and self-acceptance.
Awards and Recognitions
Alex Gino's books have won several awards and honors. In 2015, Publishers Weekly called Gino a "Flying Start" author, recognizing their promising debut. Kirkus Reviews and Booklist also listed Melissa as one of the best children's books of that year.
| Year | Title | Award | Result | Ref. |
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| 2015 | Melissa | Goodreads Choice Award for Best Middle Grade & Children's | Nominee | |
| 2016 | ALSC Notable Children's Books | Selection | ||
| California Book Award for Juvenile | Winner | |||
| Children's Choice Book Award for Debut Author | Winner | |||
| The E.B. White Read Aloud Award for Middle Reader | Honor | |||
| Lambda Literary Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature | Winner | |||
| Stonewall Book Award for Children & Young Adults | Winner | |||
| 2016–17 | Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award | Nominee | ||
| Georgia Children's Book (Gr. 4-8) Awards: Other Worthwhile Books for Grades 4-8 | Finalist |
About Alex Gino
Alex Gino uses "they/them" pronouns. This means that instead of saying "he" or "she," people refer to Gino as "they." Gino also uses the honorific "Mx." instead of "Mr." or "Ms."
Gino was born and grew up in Staten Island, New York. They have lived in many different places across the United States, including Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Brooklyn, New York, and Oakland, California. Gino has even traveled around the country living in an RV for a time.
