"Drama" by Raina Telgemeier is the Hamilton Book of the Week, nominated by Caroline Mickey, the librarian at Alpine Crest Elementary School.
"Drama" is a graphic novel written by Raina Telgemeier, an American cartoonist, which centers on the story of Callie, a middle schooler and theater-lover who works in her school's drama production crew. While navigating seventh grade, Callie deals with tween hardship, including confusing crushes, budding friendships and middle school classes. "Drama" comes from the same author as "Smile," a previous Hamilton Book of the Week.
“Students love this funny graphic novel about a middle school love triangle. The characters are well written and very sweet. Main character Callie loves the theater, but she's not a great singer or set designer. Putting on the best show with only a middle school budget and a team that can't get along is struggle enough, then you have to add all the offstage drama,” said Ms. Mickey.
Editorial Reviews
Amazon: four out of five stars from Amazon Readers
From GoodReads.com:
Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school's production of Moon Over Mississippi, she can't sing. Instead, she's the set designer for the drama department 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!
Check out more recommended books in the Hamilton Book of the Week at https://www.hcde.org/parents___students/suggested_reading.
"Hamilton Book of the Week seeks to move Hamilton County Schools closer to district goals found in the Future Ready 2023 action plan," officials said. "We hope to encourage kids to read more books for fun by sharing books popular at area schools."
District goals more students reading will address include:
• Reading improvement will increase the number of students on-track or mastering English language arts;
• Improve the district ACT score to a district average of 21; and
• Reach the target goal of a 90 percent graduation rate by 2023.