Banned Book Spotlight - Drama by Raina Telgemeier

Each week, we are taking a closer look at the more than 800 books banned in school districts across Texas

Drama by Raina Telgemeier, NYT best selling graphic novelist, is among the numerous books challenged or banned in Texas school districts.

The premise reads: PLACES, EVERYONE!

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 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!

The criticism and challenges started in several Texas schools when Drama was published back in 2012. Parents were offended that the book didn’t include any content warnings for depictions of two boys kissing. Many complained that it was “politically, racially, or socially offensive” and that the material was “sexually explicit.” Since the initial challenge, the graphic novel has been called into question each time books are either being challenged or banned in schools, and currently banned in Fredericksburg, Granbury, and North East school districts. When questioned about the book bans, Telgemeier stated:

“I had a lot of people asking if I wanted to make a statement, but the statement is the book. My viewpoint is it’s better to live in a world where we love and accept each other than one where we don’t.”

As with most of the books, the accusations don’t match the material and content. It seems that the decision to ban or challenge books like this don’t come from an objective point of view, but one that is one-sided and deeply flawed.