Graphic Pick: Drama

Drama
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)

Teen Pick: Skinny

Skinny
by Donna Cooner
Point (Scholastic)
2012

Available October 2012 (date from publisher's arc)

Poignant and passionate, yet soaringly uplifting, Skinny is the story of one teen's fight with obesity, negative body image, and finding herself.

Ever Davies introduces herself to the reader, "I'm fifteen years old, and I weigh 302 pounds." Ever fights the demon of Skinny--a voice in her head that tells her all the mean things that other kids think about her. Skinny knows what they're saying. Ever is fat and stupid, she's a monster and gross, she will never be anything but a huge blob of a mess. The popular kids make fun of her. What they don't know is that Ever has a hidden talent. She can sing--no, really sing--like "American Idol" sing. Ever hids her disappointment, resentment, sadness, and anger by overeating. She turns to food to solve her issues, but finds that food is killing her.

She finally decides on weight loss surgery. More and more teens are grossly obese, and more and more doctors agree that surgery will help them live normal lives. It will cut their chances of getting heart disease and diabetes. Ever's father agrees to let her have the surgery. Her childhood friend Rat is by her bedside before surgery and there when she comes out. Being the science nerd that he is, he records her weight, weight loss and exercise in a log for her. They keep track of her progress. The first couple of weeks Ever can only walk a block. Soon, she's running three miles.

With the help of her half-sister and new-found support system--Briella--and her constant friend Rat, Ever continues to lose weight. When mean girl Whitney becomes her friend, Ever can't believe it! The popular kids are paying attention to her! Finally.

Ever begins to look at people for who they really are. There's Whitney--who is popular but shallow, Briella--who seemed mean at first-- but is really hurt by her father's absence, Rat--a great best friend who may be even more than a friend, Ever realizes that exterior beauty is often deceiving. The true beauty in someone is how they support their loved ones.



Highly, highly recommended grades 7-up. No sex; some rude language.

Teens with negative body issues and/or teens who struggle with weight will empathize with Ever. The author had gastric bypass surgery herself and writes that she will always have weight issues. The surgery is not a quick fix; patients will have to watch their diet and exercise regimen for life.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.