DRAMA Banned Book Review — For the Book and Against the Ban

Author Testimonial about Drama

I first encountered Raina Telgemeier’s fun and bubbly graphic novel Drama when I was in search of a book that would take me back to the time of creating and making theatre while in middle school and high school. A time when there was excitement and anxiety buzzing from every corner of the space, both on and off the stage, when collaboration and friendship was at the heart of a strong performance before an audience. Reading through this graphic novel in the middle of the summer transported me back to a time when things were both simpler, but felt a whole lot more complicated, especially when it came to your dreams, your identity, and how you defined yourself in your relationships with others, platonically or romantically. It’s clear in the details of the characters putting on a show and interacting with one another how much the story is driven by personal experiences. Even if there are elements of the novel worthy of critique, as it relates to unintentional racial implications, it is evident that there is heart and love in the telling of this story specific to Telgemeier. Telgemeier’s bouncy, expressive drawing style created a narrative that was as humorous and energetic as it was touching and inclusive, similar to her previous enjoyable books Smile, Sisters, Guts, and Ghosts. It is precisely this inclusivity and normalization, particularly for LGBTQ individuals, that made it the target of book banning, despite having little to no explicit content, let alone profane language, other than adolescents expressing their sexuality and sharing a kiss or two. It deeply incenses me that amusing, light-hearted stories created by gifted artists like Telgemeier would be removed from shelves for simply showing people and adolescents as they are. These actions illustrate intolerance rather than acceptance of who someone is, something that is becoming increasingly outdated as we progress further into the 21^st century.

When, Where and Why Drama Has Been Banned

The graphic novel was published by Scholastic Graphix. It won a 2013 Stonewall Book Award in Children’s and Young Adult Literature and was nominat4ed for a Harvey Award in 2013. The American Library Association (ALA) in 2013 deemed the novel as a Top 10 Great Graphic Novels for Teens, and it was listed as a Best Book of 2012 by Publishers Weekly, The Washington Post, and School Library Journal. NPR named it a fantastic summer read for adolescents. According to the American Library Association, the graphic novel was banned and challenged in 2014 for being “sexually explicit”, its inclusion of LGBT characters as being “confusing” and against “family values”, profanity, mature themes and “drug use”. It ranked as no.10 in 2014 as the most challenged book, and in the following years increased to no.2 in 2016, no.3 in 2017, no.5 in 2018, and no.8 in 2019. The ACLU in the state of Texas highlighted in their banned book report findings that the novel was banned from multiple high schools– and was the only book to be so – in 2016-17, including the Franklin Independent School District, Chapel Hill Elementary in Mount Pleasant, and Kirbyville Middle School.

In response to the novel’s banning for representing gay characters in a children’s novel, in her interview with School Library Journal, Telgemeier restated her belief that ‘sexuality is a part of your identity that doesn’t necessarily apply to what you are doing with other people when you are eight or nine years old […] If a chaste heterosexual kiss had happened in Drama, no one would have batted an eye [My] agenda is love and friendship. People will make of it what they will and I can’t let that sway the things I believe and the things I write about.’

Plot Synopsis / Summary

The graphic novel follows the Eucalyptus Middle School Drama Club’s production of the fictional Civil War era romantic musical “Moon Over Mississippi”. Specifically, it is about the experiences of grade seven student and theatre tech member and enthusiast Callie, as she navigates her friendships and crushes, while trying to stay within her school budget to create a Broadway worthy set for their musical. In the first scene, she is returning home with her friends Greg, an upperclassmen baseball star, and Matt Solano, where she admits to having a crush on the former. Greg assures her that she is “cool” and Callie criticises his recent ex-girlfriend Bonnie for being a conceited drama queen. They share a kiss together, much to her excitement. At school, the stage crew begin to organize for the upcoming stage production. Callie envisions a dramatic exploding cannon as the central set piece for the play and assures her peers that it is achievable. She later encounters twin brothers Justin and Jesse, the former of whom intends to try out for the musical, in contrast to the latter’s shyness.

Callie visits the mall with the twins the next day, where she exhibits a book of set designs that illustrates her passion for theatre production and what she dreams to do for her career. Jesse and Justin then perform one of the songs from the show for her, and she encourages them both to audition. Jesse is hesitant to do so but agrees to work with her behind the stage. The next day Callie is confronted by her friend Matt, a lighting crew member for the show and Greg’s younger brother and is confused by the sudden mysterious aggression. Later over lunch with Justin, he tells Callie that he is gay, and while initially a bit shocked, she is openly supportive. Callie and Jesse observe the auditions for the musical, in which the lead male part is given to West Redding, leaving Justin disappointed, though he still gets an enviable supporting part as the comedic relief. Callie admits to her best friend Liz that she has feelings for Jessie, who encourages her to invite him to the school dance. The next day, while in a bookstore with the twins, Callie asks Justin if his father knows about him being gay, to which Justin replies no. In school the following day, Callie utilizes the opportunity to display her impressive confetti cannon to the entire school, driving up the ticket sales for the show.

While the first two performance nights go off smoothly, the third encounters some trouble following West breaking up with Bonnie right before the final performance. She locks herself away in the supply closet and refuses to come out, causing the stage crew to panic, where without her alternate available, Jesse comes out in a red dress. He succeeds in his performance, singing beautifully, knowing all the lines, and sharing a kiss with West. After the final show, Jesse asks Callie to the dance. The night of the dance, as Callie slow dances with Jesse, when she becomes to close in her embrace, he abandons her, later being seen talking with West outside. This causes Callie and West to have an argument, with Callie being mad about her being abandoned, during which Jesse jokingly highlights that it is a shame Callie falls for every nice guy, implying that he is gay. As Callie storms off she runs into Greg. While they walk together, he tries to kiss her, but she rejects him due to his response the previous time they kissed. Callie later encounters Jesse, who apologises and thanks her for bringing him out of his shell, saying that if he were to date a girl, it would be her. Matt then admits to having feelings for Callie and apologises for his previous aggressive confrontation. In the end, the stage crew honour the success of the show and Callie is designated as the new stage crew manager for the next year, much to her happiness.

Selected Excerpts that Epitomize Why Drama is a Valuable Contribution to Our Culture

Excerpt 1: The cast auditioning process for the musical Moon over Mississippi (pages 72-82)

This excerpt encapsulates the awkwardness but also the enthusiasm that comes from the auditioning process, particularly for your high school theatre show. This episode moreover captures the close, endearing friendship between Callie and Jesse, as they observe the proceedings, supporting Justin, and reveal more about themselves in the process.

(Callie and Jesse walk into the school auditorium)

Callie: Think he’s nervous?

Jesse: Nah. He eats this stuff up. (They take a seat each) This okay?

Callie: Sure.

[…]

(A girl named Jessica steps up to sing for the role of Maybelle. She forgets the words initially, before singing very quietly)

Jessica: (softly) Springtime in the South is like a song in my heart…

(A series of girls sing their hearts out, two of them loud and enthusiastically, one slowly and dryly)

Callie: Some of these girls are really good!

Jesse: Ha ha, yeah, but some of them kinda stink.

Ms Sutter: Next up… Bonnie Lake?

Jesse: Bonnie’s trying out for the musical?!

Callie: Ugh. Wait, what’s your beef with Bonnie?

Jesse: I tutor her in science… she’s hopeless. That girl can’t go five minutes without checking her text messages. What about you?

Callie: Uh… Well, Greg told me all this stuff about her one time, and… um.

Jesse: But I thought you hated Greg or something?

Callie: (sigh) Let’s talk about something else.

Bonnie: (sings) Springtime in the South is like a song in my heart…

Callie: (annoyed) oh jeez. She’s terrific.

Jesse: (annoyed) There is no justice.

Callie: If Justin gets the lead he’ll have to kiss her!

Jesse: Ew!

(They both laugh in a fit of giggles)

(Justin enters onto the stage to audition for the role of Bailey Johnston. Callie and Jesse wave at him enthusiastically. Justin sings wonderfully, and Ms Sutter scribbles down on her clipboard. Callie and Jesse cheer excitedly for him)

[…]

Callie: Sure you don’t want to audition, Jesse?

Jesse: I’m sure. All this auditioning stuff is just too much for me. I don’t like being judged. I mean… To stack myself up against all these guys.

Callie: I think you stack up just fine.

(West steps up to perform and audition on stage. He sings beautifully)

Callie: Wow. He’s really good.

Jesse: He’s perfect…. (shocked) Oh man. Don’t tell my brother I said that, okay? But seriously I’d hate to be the casting director for this thing.

Callie: Yeah.

Ms Sutter: Anybody else here to audition? Anyone?

Callie: Now’s your chance, Jesse! C’mon, do it!

Jesse: No! Ack! I can’t!

Callie: Why not?!

Jesse: Why don’t you audition?

Callie: (happily) Fine! I will.

Jesse: (confused) Wait, what?

(Callie sings loudly and offkey the entire song. Everyone in the auditorium cringes in their seats, eyes widened. There is a slight round of clapping from Ms Sutter that cuts Callie off)

Ms Sutter: Thank you, Callie! That will be quite enough.

(Callie bows and heads back to Jesse)

Callie: Now you see why I stay backstage?

Jesse: Yeah. I guess we can’t all be good at everything.

Callie: Nope. (Justin runs up to them)

Justin: Callie? That was awesome. (They all head out of the auditorium) I think we should take you for a bubble tea to celebrate your star turn.

Callie: (laughing) Oh knock it off.

Jesse: (pensive) Bubble tea does sound good…

Excerpt 2: Callie tests out the cannon set piece during the dry tech rehearsal (pages 145-57)

In this excerpt at the beginning of Act 5, Telgemeier embodies the excitement, nerves and stress that go into making stagecraft go off without a hitch. Here the effort and time that goes into making theatre the magic that we experience as an audience is felt and registered, making the reader all the more sympathetic to Callie’s determination and creative ambition.

Loren: (through headphones) Callie and Sanjay, ready for the cannon run-through?

Callie: You mean the compromise cannon?

Sanjay: I still think we should’ve used real fire.

Loren: We’ll clear the actors from stage left, then wheel it to the second marker.

Sanjay: Have you tested this confetti popper thingy already?

Callie: Nope. We could only afford six of them.

Loren: (through headphones) Matt, you’re ready with the LQ?

Matt: Yes.

Mr Madera: Liz, you’ve got your cell phone ready in case Callie shoots her eye out?

Liz: Roger.

Loren: Okay! SFX sequence 2 is warned…

(Callie is ready to pull the string. Matt is prepared at the light fx. Mirko is ready at the boom sfx. All actions occur simultaneously…. As the cannon lets out a pitiful ‘Feh’)

Callie: (frustrated) Oh come on! That was weak!

Mr Madera: Hey, Callie?

Callie: Mr Madera, these poppers say right here ‘an explosive burst of confetti every single time!’.

Mr Madera: That’s marketing for you. Anyway, listen, if this isn’t working now, it may never. We’ve only got eight says till opening!

Callie: But…

Loren: It’ll still be cool if we only have sound and lighting effects.

Callie: Look, I can make it work. You’ve got to give me a chance. I’ll even bring it home and work on it.

Mr Madera: Fine. But we need at least one successful test before opening night.

Callie: I won’t let you down!

[…]

Loren: SFX-2, Take 2, actors clear

Callie: (internal thoughts) Please, please, please….

(Callie yanks the popper. The confetti comes out the wrong end on her side of the cannon, swarming her in confetti)

Mr Madera: (anxiously) Callie…

Callie: There’s still a whole week! I can do this!!

[…]

(Liz and Callie leave the school for Callie’s mum’s car)

Liz: Do you really think the cannon’s gonna work, Cal?

Callie: It has to. What about you – can you finish the costumes in time?

Liz: Hopefully.

Callie: I don’t know how you stay so calm under fire, Liz. (They both sit in the car)

Liz: I’m not calm. I’m totally freaked out right now.

Callie: Really?

Liz: Bonnie’s skirt doesn’t fit, Justin’s pants need hemming, Percy grew two inches since his fitting, West’s jacket is threadbare and keeps losing buttons, I forgot to iron Jessica’ bodice before I fixed the boning and it’s always wrinkled…

Callie: Wanna switch places? I fix the costumes, you fix the cannon?

Liz: (grinning) Not in a million years.

(Callie sits in her basement late at night working on the cannon)

Callie: Maybe I can shove some crepe paper ribbons into the cannon belly too… And then rig it up to a really powerful fan?

(Callie’s phone buzzes. It’s a text from Liz reading: ‘Still up? Go 2 sleep! <3. Sent at 12:45am)

Callie: (sighs) I should probably go to bed. Or I could work for just a little longer…

(The sun begins to rise over Callie’s house. Birds are twittering. Callie’s mum and her brother as getting ready in the bathroom. They go inside to the basement, finding, to their assurance, Callie, passed out on the floor next to the cannon, fast asleep)

Excerpt 3: Jesse performs onstage as Maybelle with West, saving the show (pages 183-92)

During the final performance, Bonnie, who plays the female lead of Maybelle, has locked herself away in the closet due to West breaking up with her. As the stage crew scramble to get someone to step in for Bonnie, Jesse assumes her role, stepping onto stage in a red dress to play opposite West. This scene is as both anxiety-inducing as it is ultimately sweet and leads to a celebratory conclusion for all the characters involved. The inclusivity at the heart of the story is shown here in wonderful form.

(Jesse rustles onto the stage in a red dress. West is a bit alarmed and confused. The show must go on)

Jesse: Mr Johnston!

West: M-Miss Maybelle! I thought surely you’d gone to bed.

Jesse: I shouldn’t be here. If Daddy fins us, he’ll –

West: Nonsense.

(The entire stage is shocked, eyes widened as they witness everything, as West sings his part)

Loren: (through headphones to Callie) Is Jesse gonna sing?! Does he know the part?

Callie: (smiles) Wait for it.

Jesse: (singing beautifully, as leaves fall) I’d no plans for a man from a northern land, till I first saw your faaaace.. But I knew – yes I knew! – though my daddy hatted you, we’d meet again… (shared duet with West) in a speciallll plaaace.

(Jesse and West kiss in front of everyone. Some adults have shocked or smiling expressions. A few people are laughing upfront)

Loren: Let em laugh. This show’s not stopping for them. Callie, can you do the set change without Jesse helping?

Callie: On it.

[…]

Liz: Jesse’s really doing good out there huh?

Callie: Yeah. He really is.

Loren: (through headphones) Get ready for final curtain everyone.

(The audience erupts in applause. As West bows in front of the spotlight, he gestures for Jesse to come onto the stage and bow. He does and the audience roars with approval, Jesse smiling wide)

Excerpt 4: Liz comforts Callie when she gets upset over Jesse abandoning her in the middle of the dance (pages 204-6)

This short moment, occurring after Callie becomes overwhelmed when she is left by Jesse after he dances with her, and she got too close for him, and she breaks down in front of Liz, encompasses the theme of friendship, rather than romance, that is ultimately at the heart of the story. Liz provides a shoulder to cry on, quite literally, and the two girls end up laughing and bonding over their messy natures, like the best of friends do.

(In the bathroom, Callie is pacing back and forth as Liz sits on the sink, listening to her)

Callie: … And I thought we were having fun together, but then during that slow dance, he basically pushed me aside and wandered off. He said he was going to the bathroom, but he wasn’t Liz, he lied!! And you know who else I haven’t seen? West!!

Liz: I saw West earlier. He’s here by himself.

Callie: (frustrated) What is going on?!

Liz: I don’t know.

Callie: (bursts into tears) Waaaaaah!!!

Liz: (embracing her) Aw, sweetie. (Callie blows her nose violently into a tissue)

Callie: (looking in the mirror) Oh Jeez, look at my mascara. And I got it all over you too…

(Both girls look at each other before bursting into laughter)

Callie: Hee hee… Maybe we look better like this.

Liz: Yeah! (She tussles Callie’s hair) Mess that hair up too! It’s so not you.

(Both girls draw cool makeup marks on their face, like a lightning bolt and soldier war paint, admiring themselves in the mirror)

Liz: There we go!! C’mon, let’s go take a picture.

(Both girls race outside together hand in hand. They pose in front of the dance photo set as a picture is taken)

Book Structure/Details

The genre of the graphic novel is coming of age. Its targeted age group is for middle grade kids, 10-14 years and above. The total page count is 233 pages. Similar to a piece of musical theatre, the book is structured in chapters or seven ‘Acts’. The novel begins with an ‘Overture’, which sets up the story, and the midpoint of the book concludes with an ‘Intermission’ and begins again with an ‘Entr’acte’. The book finally culminates as the curtains close on the story, ‘The End’. The book combines features and forms of comics and manga, which the author read much of during her childhood, which leads to an immensely colourful and animated reading experience.

Recommendations on Best-Match Audience for Drama

This graphic novel would be a wonderful match for eighth graders and above, particularly in terms of reassuring them regarding their anxieties, friendships, and identity. The text stresses the importance of empathy, communication, and acceptance, which is not only meaningful to practice as a child but especially in the complicated adult world. Adult readers will likely experience a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time in middle school, while admiring the way children can care so intensely about such small things. It is especially inviting to LGBTQ audiences, but does not isolate the straight reader, as both audiences ought to use this novel to interrogate their own biases and assumptions about what a person’s identity is based on their presentation. While it is limited to showing one kind of experience in high school (a white, cisgender, female, middle class one), it can provide healthy discussion on supporting one’s friends and peers through their coming out process. In this way, without this graphic novel being readily available, LGBTQ readers will lose a valuable resource that can help them cope through education and homelife. It is for these reasons that book banning and artistic prohibition are in my view antithetical to benefiting our development as readers, and in turn, as individuals.

Drama Study Guide: Recommended Discussion Topics & Questions

The graphic novel should be featured in discussions surrounding questioning identity and coming out, race, representations of hegemonic masculinity, and the significance of friendship.

Here are some specific discussion topics/questions to consider:

• - What makes a good friend/ what does it mean to be a good a friend?

• - Why is and what makes theatre so important to people, particularly young kids and adolescents?

• - Consider how the story or tone would be different if the narrative was from the perspective of another character, like Justin, Jesse, West or Liz, whose diverse identity is distinct from Callie’s white, cisgender, middle class, female perspective

Read the related stories –

Join the Picture This Post Campaign to Stop Censorship of Thought and Expression

Book Banning — Voices in Support of Banned Books

BOOK BANNING AND BEYOND — Leaders in the Arts Speak Out!

Write a review of YOUR favorite Banned Book. See the Banned Book Review Guidelines. Write to bannedbookspicturethispost@gmail.com to express your interest in penning a review.