Sonderbooks Book Review of

by Raina Telgemeier

I think this light-hearted graphic novel about middle school drama is going to be hugely popular. Raina Telgemeier has already won legions of fans with her graphic memoir about her own middle school experience, Smile.

Callie is in charge of sets for their middle school drama production. This graphic novel conveys all the fun and camaraderie of a group of kids who are into drama. And there are crushes on the wrong people and plenty of drama in the romance department as well.

Toward the start of the book, Callie meets twin boys new to the school and convinces them to get involved in the production. I did have a little trouble keeping them straight, but that's probably appropriate. Justin, who is gay, is outgoing and auditions for the lead role. Jesse, who is more reserved, signs up for stage crew and ends up being Callie's good friend. She'd like a bit more, but there are some surprises -- and drama -- ahead.

This is a quick read, and I don't think it's going to sit on the library shelves very much at all. Kids will be snapping this up. I think despite the crushes in the story, boys won't disdain to read it since it is, after all, a graphic novel. (Am I assigning stereotypes there? I just think this book will have wide appeal.)