Hi Diane,
I agree with many of the librarians on BAISL to place the book in the YA or
Middle School Section. Some parents might agree that the graphic novel is
funny, but I know many would be uncomfortable with the graphic novel's
depiction of homosexual crushes between young teens even though there is no
romantic contact between members of the same sex. I have placed Raina
Telegmeier's Drama in the YA or Middle School Section of the library. I do
not check the book out to K-4 students, and I used School Library Journal
as an authority on the correct target or age for this book. If younger
students want to check it out, I tell them to look forward to reading it in
5th grade.
School Library Journal/ Grades 5-8-
/* Starred Review */ Gr 5 – 8 — Callie has ambitious plans for her school's
production of Moon Over Mississippi . She has more to contend with than the
logistics of building a working stage cannon, though, including the tension
between stage crew and actors and her confusion about her new friend,
Jesse. Does he like her, or is he gay like his twin brother? Telgemeier
deftly portrays the ambiguity of sexual identity in the middle-school years
in a story that simultaneously appeals to that audience. Callie is a strong
character, confident in her ability as an artist and warm and friendly to
her peers. She and her fellow students grin frequently, to the point of
seeming unrealistically well adjusted. More often, however, Telgemeier is
just showing the best side of teens. "Keep it professional," the stage crew
head tells the group, and they do. The full-color cartoon-style
illustrations are graceful, assured, and, along with the twists and turns
of the plot, guarantee an entertaining and enlightening read.—Lisa
Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY --Lisa Goldstein (Reviewed November
1, 2012) (School Library Journal, vol 58, issue 11, p129)
Debra Cardone,Hamlin School2120 Broadway StreetSan Francisco, CA
On Wed, May 11, 2016 at 11:46 AM, Diane Simoneau <
dsimoneau@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hell All
I just had a first parent strongly object to having Raina Telegmeier's
Drama in the library because someone is kissed on the cheek in it. I know
that Drama, Sisters and Smile are really for 10 and up but my students are
crazy about them. Boys and girls, first grade and up are wild about them.
There is nothing really inappropriate in them so I do stock them in my K-4
collection. Just wondering what others do about this.
Thanks
Diane
