Book Review - Drama

Drama

The book, Drama, by Raina Telgemeier is centered on a girl named Callie.  In the beginning on the book, Callie is walking home with her friends Greg and Matt.  Greg asks Callie for dating advice to help him with his girlfriend, Bonnie.  However, Callie ends up kissing Greg and professing her crush on him. The next day, Greg avoids Callie and Callie throws herself into preparation for the school play.  Callie serves on the Stage crew with her best friend, Liz and Matt.  Callie is eager about everything and will help anyone.  During the play process, Callie meets twin boys named, Jesse and Justin.  Both boys are extremely talented, but only Justin tries out for the play.  Justin gets a minor part in the play, but both vow to help Callie with all aspects of the play.  As the book moves on, Justin confides in Callie that is he is gay.  She grows very close to both boys, but now has a crush on Jesse.  On opening night of the play, all of Callie’s hard work is spotlighted.  When Bonnie, the star of the show refuses to return to the stage, Jesse dresses up and replaces Bonnie.  The last big storyline of the book is the eighth grade dance.  Jesse asks Callie and she so excited, but he leaves her mid dance.  When Callie finds Jesse outside with West, she realizes that he is gay also.  On her way back into the dance, she runs into Greg and he tells her that he messed up and wants to date her.  Callie realizes that she deserves better, leaves him.  She later realizes that Matt has liked her all along.  Jesse and Callie reconcile and he thanks her for helping him realize his true identity.  The book ends with Callie being chosen as stage manager for next year.  This book is a journey of self-discovery.

This graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier is another great addition to the graphic novel section and was recognized as a great graphic novel for teens by YALSA.  I found myself loving this graphic novel as much as Smile and Sisters.  This realistic fiction graphic novel deviates from Sisters and Smile, but still entertains readers.  I believe this is a great book for middle school or the ages of 11 to 13 years old, because it does deal with some tougher subjects.  The youthful protagonist, Callie, deals with many of the same contemporary issues that students face today.  Callie experiences the trials of middle school and the idea of crushes.  This is a tough subject for adolescents and Telgemeier does a great job of capturing it for readers.  The reader will also experience the idea of dealing with sexuality and how difficult it can be to stay true to yourself.  Students reading this could be looking for the same experiences they are going through.  Also, this story line can help develop empathy for the characters and allow readers to make their own opinions about very contemporary issues.

Telgemeier, R., & G. (2012). Drama. S.l.: Scholastic.