Drama (graphic novel)
Raina Telgemeier is back with a new graphic novel Drama. This all novel bring use humour, friendship, diversity, and of course, drama. The main character Callie truly loves theater and dreamed of always being in a production, but she realized at a young age that her singing voice isn’t up to par with other out there. Instead she works on the stage crew and a set designer and this year she is determined to make the set Broadway ready, with a minor setback of a middle school budget. With drama that happens both on and off the stage paired with two cute boys, things turn wild.
Book Information
Publication [1]
Author: Raina Telgemeier
Originally Published: September 1, 2012
Publisher: Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic
Colour: Full Colour
Pages: 240
Edited: Cassandra Pelham
Lettering: John Green
Creative Director: David Saylor
Colour: Gurihiru
Book Design: Phil Falco
Available in: Hard Cover ISBN 978-0545326988
Paperback ISBN 978-0545326995
Awards
Stonewall Book Award in Children’s and Young Adults Literature [2]
Nominated for the Harvey Award [3]
Challenges
The popular graphic novel drama was challenged by critics for being sexually explicit; but not defined as what part was considered sexually explicit.[4] In 2014 Drama made this list of top 10 banned books for the American Library Association due to a ban in Chapel Hill Elementary School in Mount Pleasant, Texas.[5] although it was Number 10 on the list, critics still have wanted this novel censored, but Raina has no intentions of re-doing the novel, she goes as far as praising her publishers backing saying; "I’m grateful Scholastic has been willing to stand behind me on ‘Drama, " [6]
Characters
Callie
A spunky middle school girl who loves theater but realized at a young age the singing really wasn't a strong still of hers. Instead, she works on the theater production crew at her school Eucalyptus Middle School as a set designer with a driving force. Once she sets her mind to something she sees it through, even willing to blurt a few out of tune notes to make her confidence shine, thus making her a motivated protagonist. As the protagonist through this graphic novel Callie wants to have an extraordinary theater production year with her friends. With little twists, turns and bumps in Callie's love life, she learns about self-awareness and acceptance, while creating a couple new friends along the way.
Justin
An outgoing spirit, Justin believes he was built for the spotlight. Doing what he wants while keeping a little secret to himself make Justin an interesting twist in the Graphic Novel. He is able to both act and sing well and it is acknowledged when he is cast in the school production.
Jesse
Twin brother to Justin, Jesse shares similar interests in a different way. He is the child his parents want him to be instead of the teenager he wants to be; all for a good cause because it allows his brother to have the freedom to do what he wants. Acting well behaved and being an all-around good guy, while being a closet actor and singer to help his brother practice. During the last show he steals the stage when he was not afraid to cross dress and participate in what critics call an indecent act.
Greg
One of the first characters introduced to the reader, Greg does not handle awkward situations very well. When he is put in a predicament he can’t handle, he mostly ends up just avoiding the person for as long as possible.
Matt
From early on Matt gave off the energy of being difficult to deal with. Towards the end of the novel he reveilles himself as just jealous but still caring and fun.
Liz
As Callie’s best friend, Liz is there for giving advice when its needed. She also works in the set crew as a costume designer.
Bonnie
With a bit of a short temper, Bonnie revs the story up with her change of emotions and boyfriends; she also is a story stealer with the first kiss of the novel. With a rude and fiery personality she isn’t liked by the main character but is popular with the guys.
Rodney
He is the lead in the school theatrical production. With and overall good personality and excellent singing voice, he stole the plays leading female [Bonnie] heart.
Characters with Little to No Parts in the Novel
Mr. Mandera - Production Manager
Loren - Student Stage Manager
Callies Little Brother - AKA Fuzzbrain. He was there to cause stereotypical trouble.
Sanjay - In charge of making the Theatrical property for the theater production
Delfina - Make-up Artist for the theater production
Mirko - Sound Booth Guy for the theater production
Percy - Tried out for the role of Bailey Johnston in Moon Over Mississippi
Reviews
Publishers Weekly
" The author follows up her award-winning graphic novel Smile with another dead-on look at the confusing world of middle school, sweetly capturing all the drama swirling around the school production. . . . Should be eagerly devoured by her many fans."[7]
School Library Journal
"An entertaining and enlightening read"[8]
Shelf Awareness
"Raina Telgemeier delivers a star turn with her graphic novel follow-up to Smile, with this tale of Callie and her middle-grade drama (double entendre intended). Encore!"[9]
References
- ↑ Telgemeier, Raina (1 November 2012). Drama (First ed.). New York: Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic Inc. ISBN 978-0-545-32699-5.
- ↑ "Stonewall Book Award List". American Library Association. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ↑ "Drama". GoRaina. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
- ↑ "Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books Lists of the 21st Century". American Library Association. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ↑ "Case Study: Drama". Comic Book Legal Defense. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
- ↑ Cavna, Michael. "‘Persepolis,’ ‘Saga’ and ‘Drama’ among ‘Most Challenged’ books in U.S. libraries". The Washington Post.
- ↑ "Drama". Publisher Weekley. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
- ↑ ALVERSON, BRIGID. "Round Table - Why All the Drama About Drama". School Library Journal. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ↑ "Children;s Review - Drama". Shelf-Awareness. Retrieved 19 February 2016.