Drama: A Graphic Novel Book Summary

by Raina Telgemeier16

TL;DR

Callie loves theater and takes on the role of set designer for her middle school's play, navigating friendships, crushes, and the challenges of creating a Broadway-worthy set on a budget.

What is Drama: A Graphic Novel about

Drama: A Graphic Novel by Raina Telgemeier is a vibrant and engaging story about Callie, a middle school student passionate about theater. While she can't sing well enough to star in the school play, she becomes the set designer for the drama department's production of 'Moon over Mississippi.' The novel delves into her struggles with creating an elaborate set on a limited budget, managing a less-than-cooperative crew, and dealing with personal dramas involving friends and potential romantic interests. The book is set against the backdrop of middle school life, capturing the essence of young adolescence with humor and warmth.

Drama: A Graphic Novel 6 Key Takeaways

Introduction of Callie

Callie is introduced as a theater enthusiast who, despite not being able to sing, finds her place as the set designer for her school's drama production.

Challenges in Set Design

Callie faces multiple challenges in creating a Broadway-worthy set on a middle school budget, including her lack of carpentry skills and diminishing ticket sales.

Onstage and Offstage Drama

The selection of actors leads to various onstage and offstage dramas, complicating Callie's efforts to manage the production smoothly.

Introduction of the Brothers

Two new brothers join the cast, adding layers of complexity to Callie's life as she navigates new friendships and potential romantic interests.

Crew Conflicts

The stage crew has trouble working together, creating additional stress for Callie as she tries to pull everything together for the play.

Resolution

Despite the numerous obstacles, Callie learns valuable lessons about teamwork, friendship, and perseverance as the play comes to fruition.

Drama: A Graphic Novel Best Reviews

  • The New York Times describes 'Drama' as 'a laugh-out-loud funny and heartwarming take on middle school life and the magic of theater.'
  • Kirkus Reviews praises the graphic novel, stating, 'Telgemeier has an unerring ear for the drama of middle school and conveys it with warmth, humor, and insight.'

Top Drama: A Graphic Novel Quotes

  • “Theater is the only place you can act like a total crazy person in public, and everyone still thinks you're cool.”
  • “Middle school is all about drama. But for Callie, it's not just onstage!”

Who should read Drama: A Graphic Novel?

This book is ideal for middle school students and young teens who are interested in theater, experiencing the trials and tribulations of adolescence, or looking for a story that includes diverse characters and positive representation of LGBTQ experiences.

About the Author

Raina Telgemeier is an acclaimed author and illustrator known for her engaging graphic novels for young readers. She has received multiple Eisner Awards and has been a #1 New York Times bestselling author for works such as 'Smile' and 'Sisters.' Telgemeier's stories often focus on the experiences of young girls navigating the complexities of adolescence, told with humor, warmth, and relatability.

Drama: A Graphic Novel FAQs

Is Drama a LGBTQ book?

Yes, 'Drama' includes positive depictions of LGBTQ characters, contributing to a more inclusive and validating representation of LGBTQ experiences in modern literature.

What is the conflict in the book Drama?

The main conflict revolves around Callie's efforts to create a Broadway-worthy set on a middle school budget while dealing with personal dramas and a less-than-cooperative stage crew.