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 is an American author who writes books for young readers. Gino is genderqueer, which means they do not identify as strictly male or female. They use they/them pronouns. Gino is best known for their award-winning book, Melissa.
Contents
Famous Books by Alex Gino
Alex Gino has written several popular books for middle school-aged readers. Their stories often explore themes of identity and understanding others.
Melissa (2015)
Gino's first novel, Melissa, is about a young transgender girl. A transgender person is someone whose gender identity is different from the one they were assigned at birth. Gino started writing the book back in 2003.
When the book was first published, its title was different. In 2021, Gino announced the book's new title was Melissa. They felt the new title was more respectful to the main character.
Melissa received excellent reviews from critics. However, the book has also been controversial. It has often appeared on the American Library Association's list of most challenged books. A "challenged book" is one that some people ask to have removed from schools or libraries. Despite this, the book has won major awards, including the Stonewall Book Award and a Lambda Literary Award.
You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P! (2018)
Gino's second book was You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P! This story explores topics like Deaf culture and the Black Lives Matter movement. It helps readers understand the lives of people with different experiences. The book was praised by reviewers from Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly.
Rick (2020)
In 2020, Gino published Rick. This book is a companion to Melissa. It tells the story of a middle school student who is figuring out his identity. The main character learns about asexuality, which is when a person does not feel romantic or physical attraction to others. Rick also received great reviews.
Alice Austen Lived Here (2022)
This book is about two nonbinary seventh-graders named Sam and TJ. They live on Staten Island and do a school project on Alice Austen. Austen was a real-life photographer from the 1800s. The book explores topics like local history and being comfortable with who you are.
Awards and Recognition
In 2015, Publishers Weekly magazine called Gino a "Flying Start" author, which is an honor for new writers. Many of Gino's books have been nominated for or have won awards.
| 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 was born and grew up in Staten Island, New York. Throughout their life, they have lived in many different places across the United States. Gino has even lived in an RV, traveling around the country.
Gino is genderqueer and uses they/them pronouns. They also use the title Mx., which is a gender-neutral option instead of Mr. or Ms.
