Raina Telgemeier's Drama receives praise for its engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations. Readers appreciate the relatable, diverse characters and the realistic portrayal of middle school challenges. However, some find the plot predictable and the romantic subplots too mature for younger readers. Overall, it captivates with authenticity and charm.

Readers aged 10-14 who enjoy relatable middle school stories, creative arts, and inclusive themes will love Drama by Raina Telgemeier. Fans of Telgemeier's Smile and Sisters, as well as admirers of Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Ann M. Martin’s The Baby-Sitters Club graphic novels, will find this book engaging and heartwarming.

Drama by Raina Telgemeier follows Callie Marin, a passionate seventh-grader on her school's stage crew, as she navigates friendship, crushes, and the ups and downs of middle school theater life while preparing for the school play, forming new bonds, and dealing with personal challenges. The comic touches on LGBTQ+ themes, including characters coming out and experiencing crushes.

Heartwarming / Humorous / Nostalgic / Emotional / Inspirational

- Drama by Raina Telgemeier received the Stonewall Honor in 2013, an award given by the American Library Association to recognize books of exceptional merit relating to the LGBTQIA+ experience.
- The book was included on the American Library Association's list of the Top Ten Most Challenged Books from 2013 to 2018 due to its LGBTQIA+ themes and illustrations.
- Drama has been praised for its colorful and expressive artwork, which captures the emotions and energy of middle school theater life.

**Callie**  
A seventh-grader passionate about theater, who is actively involved in her school's stage crew and navigates complex feelings for her classmates as she pursues her interests.

**Jesse**  
Initially shy and reserved, he is one of Callie's love interests with budding musical talents, seeking his own moment in the spotlight while exploring his identity.

**Bonnie**  
A popular and musically talented student who often rivals Callie, she is characterized by her desirable image and contrasting personality traits.

**Justin**  
Jesse's outgoing twin brother, who auditions for the school play's lead role and is open about his gay identity with friends.

**Greg**  
Matt's older brother, who becomes an emotional focus for Callie, and whose romantic complications intersect with Callie's journey.

**Matt**  
Callie’s friend who harbors unspoken feelings for her and struggles with envy towards his brother’s friendship with Callie.

**Liz**  
Callie's best friend who supports her through personal dramas and highlights the importance of friendship over romantic entanglements.

Raina Telgemeier

Middle grade

Graphic Novel/Book

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Drama reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Drama | SuperSummary

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content

Overview

Get ready to explore Drama and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Drama Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Act I

Drama Act I Summary & Analysis

Act II

Drama Act II Summary & Analysis

Act III

Drama Act III Summary & Analysis

Act IV-Intermission

Drama Act IV-Intermission Summary & Analysis

Act V

Drama Act V Summary & Analysis

Act VI

Drama Act VI Summary & Analysis

Act VII-Final Act

Drama Act VII-Final Act Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Drama Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Drama Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Drama Symbols & Motifs

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citation

Important Quotes

Drama Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Drama Essay Topics

Drama: A Graphic Novel

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Drama?

Reading Age

Book Details