- Graphic Novels
- Ages 9–13
- Contemporary
Drama
Part of the Raina Telgemeier universeOpen the collection
A theatre-kid graphic novel about crushes, friendship, stage crew and middle-school feelings. It is upbeat and funny, but also notable for LGBTQ+ representation and the discussion it can open around identity and inclusion.
- Best for9–13
- FormatGraphic
- Length240 pp
- Read aloud~1 hr55 min
The vibe
What it’s like.
Style
- Conversational
- Comedic
Tone
- Funny
- Warm
- Heartwarming
- Thought provoking
- Exciting
Themes
Experience meters
What’s it about?
The story.
Callie loves theatre, but she is not a singer, so she throws herself into the stage crew for her middle school's production of Moon Over Mississippi. Sets, props and backstage chaos are exciting enough, but seventh grade brings a different kind of drama too: confusing crushes, shifting friendships, new connections and the discovery that other people's feelings are not always simple. Drama captures the energy of a school production with warmth and humour, making backstage work feel creative, collaborative and important. It is one of Raina Telgemeier's most purely social books, full of tween emotion without becoming cruel or cynical. The graphic format keeps the pace lively, while the cast gives readers multiple ways to connect. Because it includes LGBTQ+ characters and romantic confusion, it can be a valuable discussion starter for families and schools, especially when children are ready for early middle-school relationship themes.
Fit check
Right for your child?
Where it lands by age
- 1
- 3
- 5
- 7
- 9
- 11
- 13
- Best fit · 9–13
- Read aloud · 9–12
- Independent · 9–13
Prose load
Light
Visual support
Very high
Reluctant-reader friendly
Very
Read-aloud quality
Strong
Works well for
- Reading aloud
- Gift-buying
- Reluctant readers
Nothing in the book is likely to concern most parents. Safe to recommend without preview.
Bedtime suitability
3 / 5 · Workable
Sensitive-child
4 / 5 · Good fit
Graphic intensity
1 / 5 · None
Best for
- Theatre kids
- Middle school story
- Realistic graphic novel
- Lgbtq representation
- Reluctant readers
Avoid if
- Not ready for crushes
- Prefers no romance
- Wants action adventure
Particularly good for children who are…
- Making friends
- Interested in art and creativity
- Reluctant reader
- Moving to secondary school
- Low self esteem
In the classroom
How it works in school.
Raina Telgemeier's hugely popular middle-school theatre story — a reluctant-reader favourite that opens warm talk about friendship, identity and belonging.
A book children love that happens to support school — never a stand-in for the texts a class is taught with. Reviewed for the classroom · June 2026.
Why it lands
Why they love it.
Why kids love it
The specific kick is being on stage crew — Callie loving theatre but not singing, throwing herself into sets, props and backstage chaos. The graphic novel for the kid who wants to be in the school production but not the spotlight, plus crushes and friendship drama at exactly the right pitch.
- Friendship and belonging
- Being special or chosen
- Making a difference
Why parents love it
The Telgemeier for the theatre-curious tween — backstage life of the school musical, friendships shifting, crushes both straightforward and confusing. Notable as one of the first mainstream middle-grade graphic novels with explicit LGBTQ+ characters; the inclusion is handled as part of life. Useful discussion-starter.
- Conversation starter
- Shared humour
- Quick to read
- Cultural representation
About the author & illustrator
Raina Telgemeier.
If you liked this
Three ways out of this book.
If you liked this, try…
Lateral matches. Same shelf, different texture.
Come into this from…
Easier or preparing reads — perfect lead-ins.
Where to go next…
Escalation reads — a step up in scale, silliness, or stakes.
More like this…
Books that share themes and topics with this one.
Where you’ll find it
On these reading lists.
Buy or borrow
Pick up a copy.
- Bookshop.org ↗
- Waterstones ↗
- Amazon UK ↗
- Hive ↗
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