TL;DR
Drama is a coming-of-age graphic novel that delves into the world of middle school theater. Callie, a passionate seventh-grader and theater-lover, finds herself immersed in the backstage chaos of her school’s production of “Moon Over Mississippi.” As the set designer, she navigates friendships, crushes, and the challenges of putting on a show, all while discovering her own identity and place in the spotlight.
Table of contents
Open Table of contents
Author & Writing Background
Raina Telgemeier is an acclaimed American cartoonist known for her relatable and heartfelt graphic novels for young readers. With a background in illustration, she has garnered numerous awards and recognition for her work, including the Eisner Award and multiple New York Times bestsellers. Her writing style is characterized by its honesty, humor, and ability to capture the complexities of adolescence.
Key Takeaways
The Power of Friendship
Drama explores the ups and downs of friendships, showcasing the importance of support, understanding, and navigating changing dynamics during adolescence.
First Crushes and Heartbreak
Callie’s journey involves experiencing first crushes and dealing with the confusion and heartache that often accompanies them. The book portrays the vulnerability and emotional growth associated with navigating romantic feelings.
Finding Your Passion
Callie’s dedication to theater highlights the importance of discovering and pursuing one’s passions, even when faced with challenges or self-doubt.
Teamwork and Collaboration
The book emphasizes the value of teamwork and collaboration, showcasing how individuals with different talents and personalities can come together to achieve a shared goal.
Self-Discovery and Identity
Throughout the story, Callie undergoes a journey of self-discovery, learning about her strengths, weaknesses, and what truly matters to her.
Overcoming Challenges
Drama portrays the challenges and setbacks that can arise during adolescence, such as dealing with difficult personalities, facing rejection, and managing expectations.
The Magic of Theater
The book captures the excitement and wonder of theater, highlighting the transformative power of storytelling and the collaborative effort involved in bringing a production to life.
LGBTQ+ Representation
Drama includes characters who identify as LGBTQ+, providing positive representation and exploring themes of acceptance and inclusivity.
FAQ about Drama
Is ‘Drama’ appropriate for younger readers?
While ‘Drama’ is generally suitable for middle-grade readers and above, it does touch on topics like crushes and romantic relationships, which may be more relevant to older audiences.
Does ‘Drama’ have a sequel?
No, ‘Drama’ is a standalone graphic novel.
What awards has ‘Drama’ won?
‘Drama’ has received several awards and recognitions, including the Stonewall Book Award and the Eisner Award nomination.
Drama Quotes
- ”Being part of a show is like joining a family - a really weird, dysfunctional family."
- "Sometimes you have to step outside of your comfort zone to discover who you really are."
- "It’s okay to be passionate about something, even if it’s not cool.”