MISSING - Drama

Callie is a strong girl who joins the stage crew at school. I enjoyed following Callie as she stands up for herself, discovers the true definition of friendship and as I followed her through the ups of downs of teenaged love. This is a coming of age story about one braves girl's journey of self

Show More

worth and finding her place in the world.

Show Less

Callie loves the theater. She knows she can't sing (she and her family discovered that early on) but she's a fantastic hand for the stage crew. This year she's the set designer and she's planning on creating a set that will put all others to shame. One small problem...they don't have much of a

Show More

budget. And ticket sales just don't seem to be there yet. Plus there's all kinds of middle school drama around and she just might have her first crush or two! How will the play ever happen with all of the drama? But Callie and her friends will make it happen or collapse trying.

Just like Smile this book is sure to have a bit of controversy because Raina writes about real life, such as relationships both male and female and male and male, which is bound to cause some readers angst. But here's the thing...everything that Raina writes about in this book is stuff that kids face in real life, regardless of whether parents and adults want to admit it. Raina accurately captures the feelings of confusion, infatuation, of the journey of discovering yourself, that we all experience in middle school and this is what her readers relate to. And it's why this is such a great book, because even as a male reader I related to Matt and his confusion over how to approach Callie (which is something that still confuses me to this day.)

Raina's art style is deceptively simple, but I love it. It reminds of "The Kids Next Door" cartoon (and yes that's a good thing) with how things are drawn and the colors choosen. She quickly and accurately captures the movement of characters and brings them to life with the expressions on their faces. They're expressions that I remember seeing growing up (and still see today come to think of it) that make the characters feel real. The colors are spot on perfect as well. But my favorite scenes of the book come right at the beginning, when we see the stage curtain go up. It sets the tone for the entire book and makes everything fantastic.

In short, Raina once again captures the essence of what it's like to grow up in the real world and she has created a charming and unforgettable story that will appeal to her readers. Raina's fans are sure to love this book just as much as Smile if not more. I give the book 4 out of 5 stars and I eagerly await the next book from Ms. Telgemeier as she continues to grow and thrive as an artist and a storyteller.

Show Less

The Good Stuff

Boy does Raina grasp adolescent angst and honestly and realistically portrays it
Illustrations are delightfully appealing
Reminds me of the awkward stage of growing up and the confusing feelings we have towards boys at that stage
Sweet and funny
a story that will actually appeal to

Show More

the suggested age range and not what parents think kids want to read - Librarians, Teachers, Parents take note - you might want to get a couple of copies of this one
very realistic - damn think I have said that over and over - but that is one of its biggest strengths
Strong realistic gay character - makes the character accepted for who he is without the typical gay guys are bullied that we see in most books - I think it is age appropriate as well
Great messages about friendship, love and acceptance
Don't want to spoil the ending but it is beautiful, realistic and isn't stereotypical disney type ending

The Not So Good Stuff

Callie is an intelligent girl, do not understand why she would fall for Jesse when she already knows he's gay -- doesn't really go with her character -- but than again hey us girls are always falling for boys that are not right for us

Favorite Quotes/Passages (Have to see the graphic novel to really get it)

"When you say he's cute, do you mean like.."

"Like, I Like boys? yeah."

"Oh. Huh."

"Um, is that cool? Is it okay that I told you?"

"It's cool.. I guess I was never really sure if anyone I knew was actually ..um.."

"Gay? you can say it. I don't mind."

"You are the best friend EVER!"

"Darn right I am."

"I want the audience to believe that the actors really live inside of the world on stage."

"I'd live in a world like this."

"It's one thing to dream it..and another thing to actually build it."

Who Should/Shouldn't Read

Absolutely perfect for theatre geeks (that is a compliment - love the theatre geeks)
Most likely will appeal more to girls, but boys might enjoy as well (just going by my experience with my 2 kids)
Recommend highly for all public and middle school library collections
Also teachers who don't freak out about the gay character - would be great for a classroom discussion (And for those teachers/parents/librarians who freak out about the gay character -- get over it - some people are straight - some people are gay - its all normal)

4.25 Dewey's

I picked up a copy at Book Expo America 2012

Show Less

What a cute book. I read it in about a half hour and grinned and laughed throughout. It is not like a lot of graphic novels where I feel like it's too short and the story is just getting started. It had a clear beginning, middle, and end, and it was a great read!

Passionate sixth-grade theater-lover Callie Marrin knows that you don't have to be center-stage to be a star. Determined to make the most of a middle-school budget, she happily throws herself into making the play's set and props the best they can possibly be. And though boy troubles have plagued

Show More

her, things on the romance front begin looking up as well when she befriends talented twin brothers Justin and Jesse. Navigating the minefield of middle school relationships with aplomb, Telgemeier manages to create an engaging narrative without falling into the trap of melodrama. This graphic novel deals with coming to terms with oneself, whether by recognizing your homosexuality, or realizing that you can manage just fine on your own without romance. The simple, cel-shaded illustration style relies more on the emotions at play on characters' faces than extremely rendered panel layouts, which coupled with the realistic depiction of middle school life, gives the book an innocent feel without being patronizing. With an excellent twist that could have been obvious, if cultural understanding of gender roles didn't get in the way, Telgemeier crafts a tale that allows her characters to come into their own without criticizing them for the insecurities and doubts that plague them on the way there.

Show Less

It was a good book but just a little boring for me! I think Smile was a little better!

“Drama” by Raina Telgemeier has not been nominated for any awards at this time. There is no doubt in my mind that this book will be nominated for many awards in the near future. The author is well known for one of her award winning graphic novel entitled “Smile” which has won awards such as

Show More

2011 Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens named by YALSA, and 2010 Boston Globe.

Although the novel is set in a modern day junior high school, the novel has an element of timelessness. Anyone who has ever had a crush on someone who didn’t like them back will be able to relate the protagonist in this novel. Telgemeier even touches upon discovering your sexuality, and even goes into the cultural backlash that might be thrown upon those who don’t fit the “norm.” Seventh grader Callie is a theater geek, whom the stage crew depends on to make the set of the annual play. Despite her limited budget Callie is determined on making a set comparable to Broadway. Will she succeed? Drama also fills her personal life because she has a crush on not one but two very different boys. Will Callie find her one true love? Although the book is aimed towards preteens/teenagers, I think anyone would enjoy and relate well to this novel. Although the drawings are not very sophisticated compared to some other graphic novels intended for this age group, they are straightforward, and simple. They worked well for this type of graphic novel.

Show Less

Summary: Callie's a total theater geek, although she's happiest backstage. She's working as the set designer for her school's annual musical, and is determined to make this production the best ever. The theater department is never drama-free, especially in middle school, but the show must go on,

Show More

despite contested casting decisions, unrequited crushes, new and old friendships, and practical limitations (no real cannons in the school auditorium!).

Review: This book was super, super cute. And what's better, not saccharine cute, either, but believably, relatably, teenage-angst-riddenly cute. I thought this book was very relatable, in a way that was a nice blend of "sweetly nostalgic" and "ye gods, I'm glad I never have to go to middle school again." I was not really a theater person as a teen (can't act, and really can't sing, although I have some stage cred from dance), so I can't speak directly to that aspect of the story, but the "oh god I think he likes me do you think he likes me I think he does but if he likes me why hasn't he asked me to the dance"-type angsting feels pretty universal. Telgemeier does a great job of handling that angle of things, and a diverse cast of characters with an equally diverse set of relationships, with a nice emotional maturity. (Maybe actually a little too much maturity? My main problem with this book was that I thought the characters read as high-school-aged rather than middle-school; maybe I was just a late bloomer but I don't remember so many relationship woes in 7th grade.) In any case, though, this is a great read, sweet but down-to-earth and accessible to teens without talking down to them. I also love Telgemeier's art - colorful and expressive and cute and a great match to the tone of her story. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Recommendation: Definitely recommended, particularly to theater nerds (and former theater nerds), but also to anyone who is in the mood for a lighthearted and enjoyable read.

Show Less

Callie loves the theatre -- she's an aspiring set designer who loves all things Broadway. Though working with a middle-school budget and limited technical capabilities, she's determined to create a top-quality set for the upcoming school musical. When she meets two talented brothers who are also

Show More

theatre fanatics, it starts to look like romantic sparks will fly for Callie backstage, but what will her other friends think of Callie's new relationships?

This was a quick read (as one would expect from a graphic novel) and lots of fun. It made me nostalgic for my own days of backstage drama. My only critique was that I thought Callie and her friends had more technical skill (and more freedom with the equipment) than most middle-school theatre students would have. I could be completely wrong about that, though. I'll definitely recommend this to graphic novel fans who are growing out of the Babymouse series and looking for something else just as enjoyable.

Show Less

Callie loves theater, but she can't quite sing well enough to make it in her middle school musical. But she knows she'll be a great addition to the stage crew--she's convinced she can create a set worthy of broadway. The only problem is that she can barely swing a hammer, has no budget, and the

Show More

members of the stage crew can't get along with each other. Things start get very interesting when Callie finds herself drawn from one boy to another. A highly enjoyable read for the middle school grades. Telgemeier paints an honest and realistic picture of middle school; one that many will be able to relate to.

Show Less

Callie joins her school drama team for the production of Moon Over Mississippi, and while she can't sing or dance she has decided to help with the backstage crew. As she learns more about the drama club and its members, she develops a crush on the lead actor and a fabulous friendship with his twin

Show More

brother. This causes quite a bit of her own drama.

Another great "be true to yourself" graphic novel...I loved Smile and this one was no different. One thing to note (and I can't believe I missed this on reviews, etc.) is that there is an openly gay character - because I wasn't expecting it, it took me by surprise though it was done very nonchalantly (as it should be).

Show Less

The drama club is putting on Moon Over Mississippi this year, and Callie couldn't be more excited. She knows she's not going to get a part--she's a terrible singer--but this year, she'll be the set designer, and she's determined to make this the best set ever, even though they have no budget, or a

Show More

lot of help in getting the props done. Even building a cannon that can fire onstage is easy compared to everything else that's going on: a crush on a new friend, an old friend acting really strangely, and the star of the play who hates everyone (except her costar). Even when you're backstage, there's no end of drama!

Telgemeier again knocks it out of the park with regard to middle school relationships and concerns, all with a friendly, inviting art style that's instantly recognizable as hers. I'll be talking this up at the middle school this fall--not that I'll need to do any pushing at all to get this out the door.

Show Less

Not quite as good as Smile, and if I was rating Drama in relation to Smile it would definately be a 4, but as a stand alone it's great.

Callie makes some new friends while working on the school play. The reader gets to see much of the difficult behind the scenes work and some of the play itself. Callie also has to deal with several boy issues and some confusion about sexuality.

I do love the artwork on this book, particularly the

Show More

vibrant colors. I also loved all the characters. I found the whole book very upbeat; which was great for the kind of mood I was in.

Show Less

This a fun, entertaining read. Telgemeier's illustrations are colorful and humorous. I'm sure current and former theater geeks will enjoy it. The "drama" was great and very typical of this time of life I thought--crushes (that change regularly) and gossip and the school play. And perhaps best of

Show More

all, Telgemeier handles the discovery of self and sexual orientation really well. It reminded me of something that happened between two people in my own 9th grade class. The lgbtq aspect of the book is handled in an age-appropriate (middle grade), positive, and almost innocent way.

Show Less

Drama is is Raina Telgemeir's most recent graphic novel and was short listed for a 2012 CYBILs. Callie is in the drama club at school and wants to help put on the best production of Moon Over Mississippi (her all time favorite play) on her school's extremely limited budget. Along the way she's

Show More

distracted by a cute boy, his gay twin brother and her best friend (also a boy).

Although Drama didn't suck me into its pages as quickly as Smile (her memoir about lengthy orthodontia), I was taken with the intricacies of staging a production. By watching Callie and her friends work, I was given time get to know and like them.

Along with the drama of putting on a stage play (and getting the special effects to work), there's the drama of cute boys and upset best friends. It's the basic high school stuff that older readers will either relate to or younger readers will be in the middle of. Telgemeier keeps the teenage angst to a believable but relatable level and the focus of the plot primarily on Moon over Mississippi.

Show Less

great book, It was a well writen I just really liked it

It is not difficult to see why Raina Telgemeier is a buzzed-about young adult graphic novelist; her work is enormously accessible and truthfully portrays the emotions (rollercoaster that they may be) of teendom. In her latest, Drama, readers have the opportunity to spend some time with

Show More

pink-and-purple-haired middle-schooler Callie, a theater lover with a talent for set building and design. It is admirable that Telgemeier chose to set a spunky and likable young girl in the world of stage crew, previously occupied by awkward boys dressed all in black.
Like most teenagers, Callie jumps from one love interest to the next. The story opens with the recognizable sting of rejection: although Callie kisses her slightly older crush, Greg, he brushes her off by the next day and reunites with his ex-girlfriend. She soon moves on to Jesse, an intelligent overachiever who forgoes his own desire to perform to please his father and give his flamboyant twin brother, Justin, an opportunity to shine. Although so much of Callie’s story is wrapped around her love-life, the ending (albeit a little rushed) does provide Callie with success and happiness that is not tied to any boy.
Perhaps one of the most refreshing aspect of Telgemeier’s tale is the abundance of diverse characters that occupy Drama. Many races and sexual orientations are depicted and given roles outside of stereotypes (Jesse and Justin, for example, are Hispanic). It would, however, have been even more refreshing to see some diversity in Callie aside from her wild hair color.

Show Less

Drama is a really good book, it is really eye opening aboout what kind of world we live in.

I really liked this one. Callie was fun, and I loved all the drama both on and off the stage.

Drama by Raina Telgemeier is a middle-grade graphic novel published by Scholastic. It is a charming and sometimes bitterly realistic story of the middle school drama that occurs at the age when kids start to develop romantic feelings.

Drama includes all the different "types" of kids who can be

Show More

found at every school (popular kids, mean kids, geeky kids, average kids, outgoing kids, shy kids, etc.) Raina's characters are realistic and very identifiable to readers. Moreover, they are all smart and each have something special to offer the world. This book teaches readers that the drama that people cause because of our differences isn't worth anyone's time. It shows us how the drama can get in the way of being happy, of being one's self, and of putting on an amazing play!

Drama has gotten some controversial attention because it explores homosexual feelings and relationships. One of the characters is openly gay, with another who isn't quite ready to share his sexual orientation with others. To these ignorant and archaic people who rip this book from the hands of their kids, I roll my eyes and say it's 2014! Equality and inclusivity for all! It's so important that we teach children to be open and accepting of others, and not pass on hatred and fear to the next generation.

I LOVE that while the characters' sexual orientation plays a major role in the story, it isn't an all-defining, single character trait. We are so much MORE than the colour of our skin, our gender and our sexual orientation. And in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't matter. We're all humans and we should be accepting.

Sweet, funny, and down-to-earth, Raina Telgemeier is an amazing YA author. I adore Drama and her other graphic novel, Smile. Readers can recognize these characters and can reflect on the drama they have going in their own schools and in their own lives. We see how drama is only temporary, and that it's easier to move on rather than cling to the problem. Ultimately, this book shares important messages about acceptance and about establishing healthy relationships with others, regardless of our differences.

Drama is an incredibly inspiring and entirely wonderful book!

5 Stars

Show Less

This book is great! this girl has grat ideas of how to make a set for a play. she has boy trubbles and somtimes frend troubles.

I started this book expecting to hate it. The panes in graphic novels are distracting to me, but I chose it in order to leap out of my comfort zone and try a genre I know my students enjoy.

I liked it! The main character was quirky and real. There were a couple of 2-dimensional characters, namely a

Show More

stuck-up "villain" and a "jock", but they gave Callie, our protagonist, some more "Drama" to struggle with.

The story was filled with real teen issues like gender roles, sexuality, school anxiety and intrapersonal relationships. One character, Justin, has to deal with being a closeted gay to his parents while trying to live out at school. His frustration is evident when he says, "Well, my dad would probably flip out and i'm not sure if he's ready for that...I'm not sure if I'm ready...I'm sure he suspects but we don't discuss it." (Telgemeier 2012)

The colors in the panes are vibrant and the drawings are simple but evocative. The expressions on the characters' faces really conveyed their feelings.

If you check this book out to children under the age of about 13, you may get some phone calls. It looks like something Dork Diaries or Diary of a Wimpy Kid readers might love, but it deals with sexual preference in a very straightforward way. While I like the no-holds barred way it brings up sexuality, I would probably not keep this book in my elementary library. I'm really not sure if that's wrong or not. We do have Telgemeier's other book, Smile, on the shelves and no one has mentioned anything controversial about it so far.

However, sexuality discussions aside, it does deal with middle school themes and maybe it should be left for middle school libraries.

Show Less

A very fun, quick read perfect for kids who are this age. This story hit on a lot of topics that really middle school kids are going through. The absolute best part of the book was the characters not being afraid to show their sexual orientation and everyone knowing but not making a big deal out of

Show More

it. This makes for a great message to send to teens/preteens who may be going through these issues.

Show Less