DRAMA (AI DRAFT)
A spirited theater story with middle-school crushes and a same-sex kiss.
The Worldview
Skip it. DRAMA repeatedly presents same-sex attraction and relationships as ordinary, accepted middle-school romance, a worldview that conflicts with biblical teaching about sexuality.
The book commends Callie’s hard work, creativity and persistence, and it shows how a school production depends on people cooperating and making room for one another’s talents. Friendship and acceptance matter deeply in this story. Its attention stays on the young people’s feelings and peer relationships; God, Scripture and church do not shape their decisions. The book does not mock Christianity, but its approving treatment of gay romantic relationships conflicts with the Bible’s teaching about sexuality. The central wish to be known and welcomed can lead to a conversation about faithful friendship: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESCallie loves theater, but she cannot sing well enough to take an onstage role. For her school's production of MOON OVER MISSISSIPPI, she dreams of building a Broadway-worthy set on a middle-school budget. A busy stage crew, shaky ticket sales and a tangle of crushes complicate the work. When twin brothers join the production, Callie has even more to think about—onstage and off.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own reader.
- Opening park scene Callie kisses Greg after learning he has broken up with his girlfriend.
- Opening dialogue Matt previously bumped into a stagehand and broke a spotlight bulb; Callie explicitly says he did not cause a concussion.
- School performance A character falls onstage and injures his knee; blood is mentioned but not shown.
- Final performance A boy in a female stage role shares a brief kiss onstage with another boy.
- Act VI Bonnie asks Jesse to help her cheat on a test.
A locator so a parent can pre-read the scenes that matter instead of the whole book.
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
Secular moral worldview values hard work, friendship and teamwork, but presents gay middle-school relationships as ordinary and affirming.
Foul Language
Light language: mild insults and name-calling, including “lame,” “losers,” “fuzzbrain,” “dumb,” “dork” and “thickheaded,” as well as “shut up.” No obscenities or misuse of God’s or Jesus’ name.
Violence
Light, mostly slapstick or accidental, such as a character falling onstage and hurting his knee; blood is mentioned but not shown. Dialogue refers to Matt previously bumping into a stagehand and breaking a spotlight bulb; Callie explicitly says he did not cause a concussion. A prop-cannon mishap is discussed as a danger. There is sibling play-fighting and a character’s hands get stuck together with Super Glue. No deaths or serious violence.
Sex
Moderate romantic content, without sexual activity. Middle-school characters have crushes, discuss dating and the school dance, and kiss on the cheek or lips. Callie kisses a boy; two boys share a brief onstage kiss. Two boys come out as gay, and another boy wonders whether he may be bisexual. A boy wears a dress to play a female role in the school production; this is theatrical costuming, not a gender-identity theme.
Nudity
No nudity.
Alcohol Use
No alcohol use.
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
No smoking or drug use.
Miscellaneous Immorality
Some characters gossip, get jealous and insult one another. Bonnie asks Jesse to help her cheat on a test, and the request is exposed rather than celebrated. These moments are part of ordinary peer conflict, not sustained bullying; the story emphasizes friendship and cooperation.
Is the Writing Any Good?
Four stars for a graphic novel with warm, expressive art and a strong sense of middle-school life. Callie's enthusiasm for set design gives the story a fresh focus, and the theater details make the teamwork feel earned. Scenes move briskly, with clear expressions and visual jokes carrying much of the humor. The shifting crushes add energy, though readers who do not enjoy social and romantic complications may find the story busy.
Talk About It
Four questions for the dinner table, the car, or a parent and teen reading it together.
Callie wants to build an impressive set, but a show takes a whole crew. What does diligent work look like when it means relying on other people?
Colossians 3:23 · Ecclesiastes 4:9–10Friends respond warmly when classmates talk about being gay. How can you show kindness to someone while holding to what Scripture teaches about marriage?
Romans 12:18 · Ephesians 4:15Callie spends a lot of energy guessing which boy likes her. What boundaries and priorities help keep a crush in its proper place?
Proverbs 4:23 · 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5When a friend shares something personal, what does faithful friendship require—and what should you do if the secret involves danger?
Proverbs 17:17 · James 1:19The Final Word
DRAMA is lively and skillfully drawn, and its work ethic and friendships offer much to enjoy. Its affirming same-sex romance conflicts with biblical teaching on sexuality. Choose a pre-screened theater or teamwork story consistent with your family's convictions instead. Skip it.
