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What do you get when you mix Raina Telgemeier’s simple, bold illustrations with a middle school story that takes us behind-the-scenes of the upcoming production Moon Over Mississippi? The much-praised graphic novel DRAMA, of course!  Called “smart” and “enlightening,” Telgemeier’s 2012 work explores creative fulfillment, friendships, crushes and young love as it follows Callie on her set-design adventures.

However, DRAMA has recently experienced a bit of “drama” of its own --- it is the latest addition to the American Library Association’s Frequently Challenged Books list, coming in at #10 for being “sexually explicit.”

However, another well-known graphic novelist, Jenni Holm (Babymouse series, THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH, SUNNY SIDE UP and more), and Teen Board member Megan B. disagree. Below they talk about what DRAMA means to them and why it shouldn’t be banned.

Do you remember when you read this book for the first time? How old were you? Did you read it for school or for pleasure?

Jenni Holm: I read it two years ago, when I was 45. I read it for pleasure because I love graphic novels. My 9-year-old son had read it first and recommended it to me!

Megan B: Since first falling in love with SMILE way back in fifth grade, I have eagerly anticipated each of Raina Telgemeier's new releases and have yet to be disappointed. My all-time favorite Telgemeier book is DRAMA, which I read when I was 11 --- it’s one of the most engaging graphic novels I've ever read. I read it purely for enjoyment, but, with the way it tackles some hot button issues in the news today, I can easily see it generating some great teacher-student discussions in a read-along.

What do you like about this book, and how would you persuade somebody else to read it?

JH: It’s so genuine and heartfelt. Also, I love all the behind-the-scenes theater stuff. To persuade someone else to read DRAMA, I would tell them that this book is like the best rollercoaster you’ve ever ridden: the minute you get to the end you’re going to want to ride it again and again.

MB: The best part of Telgemeier's books is how vividly she remembers the ups and downs of being a young teenager and incorporates those awkward experiences into her books. As a junior high student struggling to find where I fit into school, that really struck a chord for me and was part of the reason DRAMA resonated with me the way it did. Though DRAMA is not autobiographical, Telgemeier acknowledges many of her own middle school experiences as material for the book, proving it is possible to go through the crazy roller coaster of junior high and live to tell about it. There are so many reasons I would encourage every junior high student to read DRAMA (far too many to list here), but really it boils down to the positive, uplifting spin DRAMA brings to the sometimes dreary world of middle school. Really, I dare anyone to read the final page without a smile on their face.

DRAMA was banned in an elementary school in Mt. Pleasant, Texas for “sexual content.” If you had the chance to respond to that charge, what would you say? 

JH: It make me really sad to hear that DRAMA was banned. We should always encourage kids to be themselves. And a big part of that is letting them read stories that they can relate to.

MB: When I read the charges brought against Drama all I could think was "What?!?" and then rub my head in confusion. Call me desensitized, but I really could not recall a single instance of the "sexual content" the school that banned DRAMA was referencing. Sure, there was some kissing and hand holding, but just walk outside and you'll see plenty of that. I even went to Common Sense Media to see what they had to say on the topic, but it still didn't offer any new insight. After rereading the book though in preparation for Unban a Book Week here at Teenreads, I remembered that there are several characters in DRAMA who come out as gay and one instance of two boys kissing.

All of my opinions aside, I think that labeling DRAMA as sexually explicit because it doesn't mesh with the school’s viewpoint is a weasely way of depriving elementary-aged kids of an amazing book. Our world is changing, as we’re slowly but surely becoming more accepting of people from all walks of life, and I think it's great that we have authors willing to broach these topics with sensitivity and thoughtfulness so our next generation can have informed opinions on these matters. Just because a school bans a book does not mean that “sexual content” ceases to exist. All they're doing is shielding and negatively shaping the youth of tomorrow. In fact, I think reading DRAMA as a class would be a great way to introduce elementary-aged kids to the concept that "Hey, some people like other people of the same gender." Shocking!

You need to give the protagonist of this book a book recommendation. What would you recommend, and why?

JH: Callie’s into theater, so I would recommend the graphic novel version of ROMEO AND JULIET by Gareth Hinds.

MB: Yet another one of my favorite middle grade authors, Natasha Friend, wrote a book called BOUNCE that’s similar to DRAMA, and I think Callie would really connect to it. Both heroines are, in their own way, doing the best they can to fit into a world that is oftentimes extremely intimidating. With their sharp wit, spunky personalities and overall positive viewpoint on life, I believe Evyn and Callie would become fast friends who could also learn a lot from each other. Evyn is undergoing some major life changes but is learning to just "bounce" with what life throws her, something Type A Callie struggles to do through the course of DRAMA. Callie, on the other hand is 100% accepting of everyone no matter what and sees everyone as a potential best friend in the making. Evyn could stand to learn from this life skill as she navigates the rocky waters of inheriting eight step-siblings after her father remarries. Both Callie and Evyn recognize that diversity is what makes us unique, and I believe that by reading about each other (can Evyn read DRAMA, too?) they would not only benefit each other, but the world.