“Callie loves theatre. And while she would totally try out for her middle school’s production of Moon over Mississippi, she can’t really sing. Instead she’s the set designer for the drama department’s stage crew, and this year she’s determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn’t know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage AND offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen. And when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier!”
What is the book about?
Callie has always loved the theatre and, when she was a little girl, she dreamed of being on the stage someday, singing, dancing and acting. But soon she discovered that her dreams of stardom were impossible because she really can’t sing – she has no talent whatsoever. But soon she found her place, still in the theatre but rather than on stage, in the wings as part of the stage crew. This year, her school is planning the production of Moon over Mississippi and, though she would love to perform, she is a better fit backstage. She is determined that this play will be a complete success and that the set will be absolute perfection. But how can she achieve such a stunning, Broadway-worthy set when she doesn’t know how to do it, and there is drama on stage and off stage? Things are going crazy and somehow Callie must find a way to achieve success, despite all the drama.
What were your initial thoughts on the book?
As soon as Jimena (my sister), came into my room holding Drama I knew I immediately had to start reading the book and that I was going to absolutely love it. I had already read 3 other Raina Telgemeier graphic novels, so I knew that this one was going to be as much of a success as the other ones. After reading the blurb and looking at the cover, I began to have a few doubts about the book because it wasn’t like the other ones I had read. I wasn’t entirely sure it was going to be as good as the Smile series, but I was still confident I was going to enjoy it. Finally, I started to read the novel and soon I was nearing the end, finding the book just as faced-paced and interesting as the previous 3 I had read by Raina Telgemeier.
Who was your favourite character and why?
My favourite character was definitely Callie because of her self-confidence. She didn't care about what anyone else thought of her and she did whatever she wanted without caring about whether or not people would judge her. She was herself all the time and found friends that she could count on and could be her true self around. I really loved all this confidence she had in herself because it made me believe a little more in myself and made me think that maybe it wouldn't be that difficult for me to be a little more confident in myself. I care too much about what others think and Callie showed me that I can be myself and, even if other people judge me, I shouldn't care because it doesn't matter what they think it only matters what I think. Callie really showed me that I matter and no one should take that away from me. I hope that I can now take what I learnt from her and put it to use.
What was your favourite part of the book and why?
This was a really hard decision to make because no part of the story really stood out to me very much, but I think that my favourite part is possibly when Callie manages to encourage people to buy more tickets and literally saves the day. I really enjoyed this part because Callie had spent so long working on the cannon to make it work and she tried her absolute hardest to make sure that the production could be its very best and she was not about to give up when she found out that ticket sales were down. A lot of people were discouraged and wanted to just give up, but not Callie, and when her hard work paid off she knew that giving up was never the answer.
What was your overall impression of the book?
Overall, Drama was a very incredible graphic novel, which I enjoyed immensely, though it wasn’t as good as the Smile series. One thing that I really enjoyed about the book was the flashback. Flashbacks are something that I find make a book 10 times better and, as soon as I read one, (as long as it’s well placed and relevant) I know I will really enjoy the book. I know that there was only a single flashback and it was extremely short, but it added some lovely backstory and it made the novel so much better. Another thing that I really liked about the book was how there wasn’t a single moment where I found myself bored. The plot was literally just a flow from one piece of drama into the next, with a few moments of resolution in between to keep the story going. I tend to find books so boring, but not Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novels! One last thing I would like to mention is that there is one little thing that I would want to add to the book: some sort of more impactful and noticeable message to take from the book. I know that there is a subtle message to keep inspiring and get inspired, and also to never give up on your dreams, even if they have to change a little to achieve them. But I feel like I wasn’t really able to feel it and it would have been nice to maybe develop the story a bit more and possibly put a deeper message in. However, Drama was an amazing book and I really enjoyed the adventure I went on.
Would you recommend this book?
I would definitely recommend the book as it was incredibly fast-paced and perfect for people who normally find books boring. It is a great read, especially for readers over 10 who enjoy a bit of comedy, drama and a sprinkling of romance.
Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)
A graphic novel full of drama, comedy and romance.
Reviewed by Aldara Gutierrez Reviriego
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