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Drama
260 pages
A vibrant, backstage pass to the chaotic, crush-filled, and deeply earnest world of middle school theater.
What it feels like
Reading this graphic novel feels like stepping into the bustling, paint-splattered wings of a middle school auditorium. It is a brisk, energetic experience that perfectly captures the breathless highs and crushing lows of early adolescence, all set against the high-stakes backdrop of a school play. The narrative is driven by expressive, dialogue-heavy panels that radiate warmth, humor, and an earnest desire to belong. You are swept up in a whirlwind of unrequited crushes, creative problem-solving, and the messy, beautiful reality of working together to build something from scratch. It is an absolute delight for anyone who has ever been a theater kid, harbored a secret crush, or simply longed to find their own quirky, accepting community.
- Mood
- energetic
- warm
- chaotic
- hopeful
- Tone
- earnest
- humorous
- enthusiastic
- empathetic
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- creative collaboration · first crushes · finding your people · middle school social dynamics · queer awakening
- The writing
- Visually dynamic and dialogue-driven, relying on expressive, colorful panels to convey humor, heartbreak, and theatrical flair.
- The arc
- Moves from breathless, chaotic ambition through the messy tangles of adolescent crushes, landing on a joyful celebration of friendship and self-acceptance.
- Who it's for
- Middle-grade readers and former theater kids who crave relatable, big-hearted stories about friendship, crushes, and creative passion.
Content notes
- mild middle school social conflict
About the book
Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school's production of Moon over Mississippi, she can't really sing. Instead she's the set designer for the drama department's 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!
Description from Open Library.
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