By Raina Telgemeier
Graphix (Scholastic)
2012
240 pages
Full color illustraions (graphic novel)
For all theater GLEEks and musical theater buffs, for all the stage crew, lighting peeps, sound dudes, scenery builders, and costume designer GLEEks, Raina Telgemeier has created a fun graphic novel about your world.
Callie loves the theater but soon realizes that she is not gifted with a voice that will earn her parts in the middle school production. She’s happy to be on the team anyway; she is proud to build the set and props for her school’s productions of “Moon Over Mississippi.” When cute twin brothers Justin and Jesse appear on the scene, Callie starts crushing. She’s not the only one interested in the brothers either.
Justin is the outgoing one, the talented one; Jesse is the shy brother who doesn’t seek the footlights and the greasepaint. Callie befriends both brothers and is surprised when Jesse spills his secret.
When leading roles are passed out, Justin is disappointed. There’s a big dance coming up and Callie hopes that Justin will ask her.
Drama happens on the stage and behind the scenes. The show must go on; Jesse uses his hidden talents to save the production.
Telgemeier tells a teen tale full of heart through her words and heartfelt illustrations. Smile, her first graphic novel , got rave reviews. I have no doubt, Drama will satisfy teen readers. Several cultures are represented by her characters, and fans of LGBT genre will identify with some characters and their problems.
Recommended grades 7-up. LGBT content. One main character clearly identifies himself as “gay.” The other teen characters do not “freak out” when he admits it. It is not a big deal for any of the kids. No sex. No language.
FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.
This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)
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