Junior High Drama

Gr 3–6—Four stories follow the girls at Memorial Middle School as they deal with bullying, self-esteem, and more. In "The School Musical Meltdown," vocalist Kamilla is torn between her desire to shine in the spotlight and her self-consciousness about her weight. "The Middle School Mean Queens" sees Lilly befriend the coolest girls in school, only for them to turn on her. "The Runaround Rumor" centers on track star Allie, who becomes mired in gossip when, out of embarrassment, she lies to hide her new diabetes diagnosis. Finally, in "The First-Date Dilemma," Lucia feels out of place among her boy-obsessed friends. However, when she meets a guy who shares her love of reading and nature, she starts to reconsider her views. Sensitive and never preachy, this work focuses on the very real problems young teens face. Each tale ends with facts about the issue covered and an interview with the character. Complex, flawed characters learn through experience and the support of family and friends. The cast is diverse and realistically depicted, and the art is expressive, with a palette of pinks and purples.