by Whitney Grace
Staff Writer
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Callie is drawn to the theater like a comic book artist is to fresh paper and pens. She loves the atmosphere, acting, and the chance to use her creative abilities. When she is selected to be the set designer for the school’s production of Moon Over Mississippi, she couldn’t be happier. If she thought life on stage was full of drama, her real life takes a dramatic turn when she befriends a set of twins, Jesse and Justin. Jesse is very outgoing and gay, while his brother Justin is more reserved and could possibly have a crush on Callie. While Callie tries to sort through her feelings, pressures mount as opening night gets closer.
Drama is a wonderful graphic novel that exemplifies Raina Telgemeier’s talent for art as well as telling an engrossing young adult story. While the story is set in a middle school, she doesn’t overplay the pubescent anxiety and stress that plagues most young adult books. The drama, in fact, is quite relatable and many readers will empathize with Callie as she puzzles over her feelings as well as her drive to make the musical a smash hit. Telgemeier broaches a sensitive topic by having one of the main characters be an adolescent gay. Some people might oppose her choice, but young readers struggling with their identity can draw strength from the story and help understand themselves.
Telgemeier’s art style is always a joy. It is a gentle, cartoonish style that falls in-between mature comics and those written for children. It is also appealing, because it is in full color and gives the story a cheerful quality.
Drama is a wonderful addition to any young adult or comic fan library, not only for the story but for the art.
