Dramarama

Author:E. Lockhart

ISBN:978-0786838172

Publication Information:Hyperion Books CH

Plot Summary: Demi and Sadye are in for the adventure of their lives. They've both been accepted to a prestigious summer theater camp, where is it all theater, all the time. But from the beginning, their friendship is tested. Demi immediately becomes popular and sought after, both on and off the stage while Sadye struggles to carve out a place for herself surrounded by a group of extremely gifted and theatrical teens. As she finds herself jumping through hoops to impress the camp instructors and her friends, she finds herself questioning the instructions and teaching methods of her instructors, and begins to gain a reputation as a trouble maker. Will Sadye be able to create a niche for herself at theater camp, or will the difference in summer experiences ruin Demi and Sadye's friendship forever?

Critical Evaluation: E. Lockhart has created another fun novel with a fearless female that isn't afraid to question authority. Sayde is an extremely realistic character because although she isn't afraid to speak her mind, she has the same self esteem issues and moments of self doubt that any teen goes through during puberty (and really, the same moments of self doubt that any person goes through periodically). Demi, although less developed, is an equally enticing character, and is part of a greatly under represented group in teen (and all) literature, as a gay black male. The reader can't help but feel happy for Demi as he reinvents himself as a successful, popular actor with admirers and suitors. Demi and Sadye's summer camp experience is a great read not only for LGBTQ teens, but for theater kids, and anyone who has dreamed of being on American Idol or Broadway.

Reader's Annotation: Sarah is ready for a reinvention. She is heading to theater camp with her best friend Demi and a new name, Sayde. But creating a new identity isn't as easy as it seems.

Author Information: E. (Emily) Lockhart was born in New York city. In addition to Frankie Landau-Banks, she is the author of the Ruby Oliver books (three in publication and one due to be released later this year), Dramarama, Fly on the Wall and How to Bad. She is a full time writer, a vegetarian, and practices yoga on a regular basis. (Information gathered from the author's website http://e-lockhart.com/main/?)

Curricular Ties: Theater

Genre: LGBTQ

Book talking ideas:

• Why did Sayde have such a difficult time at camp?
• Why did Sarah change her name to Sayde? Have you ever wanted to change your name or identity? Why?
• Was Sayde right to question her instructors? Why or why not?
  

Challenge issues: Underage drinking

• Familiarize yourself with the book and its contents.
• Check the library for specific policies on challenged books.
• Check the ALA website for advice on how to respond and react when a book has been challenged. (http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm)
  
• Find positive reviews from reputable websites.
• Ask the challenger for their specific objections and try to address them using information from the above research.

Interest Age:Grades 8 and up

Why I selected this piece: I really enjoyed The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, so I wanted to read more of Lockhart's work.