Review: Drama

Drama

by Raina Telgemeier

Book Description:

Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school's production of Moon Over Mississippi, she's a terrible singer. Instead she's the set designer for the 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!

 

Review:

I have to admit, I'm not a huge graphic novel reader and that's partly because I have a little bit of trouble following the panels in the manga style ones. I do, however, occasionally find some graphic novels that I truly adore and both of Raina Telgemeier's fall into this category.

 

I love the colors, the drawing styles and they are easy to follow! While her first one, Smile, was somewhat autobiographical, Drama is just a cool middle school story. Callie loves theater and wants to become a set designer someday for Broadway. Seeing her passion made me think back about all the plays and musicals I've seen and how important the stage set can actually be...

 

I also loved seeing her embrace her passion and not be ashamed at all of being into a "dorky" club. It was great to see all the drama "geeks." I was once a drama geek so I loved that connection! Callie's friends each had their own passion and none of them hesitated to do the very best they could in their own facet of the show. 

 

The friendships and crushes seemed very realistic and reminiscent of how I remember feeling about people and interacting with them in my own middle school years. I really thought this was a great read that left me smiling. I would love to read more about Callie and her friends. 

Review: Smile

Smile
by Reina Telgemeier

Book Description:
Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth. What follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there's still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly.

Review:
I actually really liked this graphic novel. The pictures were easy to look at and understand. The style was very simple, but still fun-looking.

The storyline was pretty great, too, though it had some gross moments to do with her teeth, lol! It was really interesting because not only was it a good story with a character that was very relatable, but it turns out it's a memoir! The events really happened to the author. Cool.
Another graphic novel I may never have picked up on my own, but after having heard great things about it from other people, I decided to give it a shot, and it turned out to be really good! :)

Review: Dead is a Battlefield

Dead is a Battlefield

by Marlene Perez

Dead Is series, book six

 

Book Description:

Jessica Walsh is starting her freshman year at Nightshade High and trying to forget about the tragic events surrounding her brother’s graduation. She wants to have a normal high school experience. But that’s easier said than done in Nightshade. There’s a new guy at school who seems to be turning the girls into lovesick zombies. And Jessica has other worries—like her crush on a cute but moody lead singer, and the mysterious tattoo that appeared on her arm one day that lets her know whenever there is trouble brewing. Jessica learns she’s a Virago, a woman warrior chosen to fight evil whenever it threatens her hometown. But does a lowly freshman really have what it takes to keep Nightshade safe?

 

Review:

I LOVE this series. 

 

They are fun to read, super quick reads and each turns out to be a pure guilty pleasure.

 

Technically this is book six in the Dead Is series, but it feels totally fresh because there is a new main character. The first five books (starting with Dead is the New Black) feature Daisy Giordano as the main character.  She is a sassy psychic trying to navigate high school, dating, and family issues while living in a town populated by vampires, werewolves, ghosts, psychics, and more! Daisy is a super fun character, but so is Jessica Walsh.  She is also actually the younger sister of Daisy's best friend's boyfriend, so while Daisy and her crew have all graduated from Nightshade High and moved on, there are still great ties to the first five books. 

 

I cannot wait to see what happens next in Dead is a Killer Tune (coming out in Sept.)!

Review: The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin

The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin

by Josh Berk

Book Description:

Being a hefty, deaf newcomer almost makes Will Halpin the least popular guy at Coaler High. But when he befriends the only guy less popular than him, the dork-namic duo has the smarts and guts to figure out who knocked off the star quarterback. Will can’t hear what’s going on, but he’s a great observer. So, who did it? And why does that guy talk to his fingers? And will the beautiful girl ever notice him? (Okay, so Will’s interested in more than just murder . . .)

Review:

I was really surprised how funny this book was...even though it's a great mystery and there's some great suspense, I ended up laughing out loud through most of my reading. 

Will and his new friend, Devon, build a great rapport and they deal with Will's deafness is a really cool way. They talk like normal, slightly weird teens, and they text constantly. They felt really real.

This is one of those books that has kind-of a weird title and a bad cover, but the story is actually REALLY good. I dare you to try it!! I would *love* to read a follow up mystery starring these two self-proclaimed "Hardy Boys."

*This was my selection for the April Meeting of our book club, Flippin' Pages. We did mystery books this month! Next meeting is May 8th and we'll be talking about our favorite PARANORMAL books.*