5 Middle Grade Novels for Drama Kids

Secrets of Shakespeare’s Grave, by Deron R. Hicks
What better way to kick off a list of theatre books than one that centers around The Bard himself? 12-year-old Colophon Letterford is on a mission to save her family’s publishing company. Currently under the control of her father, Mull, the company is threatened by family members who have a different vision. Now they’ve issued an ultimatum: sign three well-known authors by Christmas Eve, or else. While her older brother stays to help their father, Colophon, accompanied by her father’s eccentric cousin Julian, journeys to England in pursuit of a  rumored family treasure that just might be the answer her family needs. Full of mystery, humor, action, and quotes from Shakespeare himself, mystery readers will have a hard time putting this one down. Have the sequel, Tower of the Five Orders, at the ready.

Drama, by Raina Telgemeier
This graphic novel goes behind the scenes of a middle school drama department. Seventh grader Callie has always loved theatre, and but she’s not so great at singing, and so this year she takes on the task of set director for her school’s performance of Moonlight over Mississippi.  She’s determined to make her designs worthy of any Broadway stage, but as any theatre veteran knows, things don’t always go as planned. In addition to the drama on stage (how is she going to create a fully-functioning confetti cannon by opening night?), there’s also the theatre-like plot going on off-stage. New friendships, middle school crushes, secrets, and a healthy dose of teen embarrassment all come together in a story about drama, in every sense of the word.

How to Stage a Catastrophe, by Rebecca Donnelly
The Juicebox children’s theatre is a big part of Sydney’s life. In fact, he plans on being the theatre’s director when he grows up. But those plans are in jeopardy when Sydney discovers the Juicebox may be closing down. Along with his best friend Folly, and a newcomer to the theatre known as Jelly Belly, Sydney sets out on a mission to save the Juicebox. After joining a local commerce club, sensitive documents land in the trio’s laps, and the young entrepreneurs think they’ve found the answer. But there’s a thin line between business and extortion, as we discover in this equal parts touching and humorous look at the business side of the theatre world.

YOLO Juliet, by William Shakespeare and Brett Wright
It’s the greatest love story of all time, right? Who among us is not familiar with Romeo and Juliet’s tragic tale? Never mind that it was written over 400 years ago. It’s ageless. Relevant. Still taught in classrooms today. But what if the famous duo were alive in 2017? And what if they had cell phones? Such is the premise behind YOLO Juliet, the story of the world’s most infamous star-crossed lovers  told through texts and emojis. This unique twist is sure to appeal to theatre and non-theatre readers alike. Follow up with A Midsummer Night #nofilter, srsly Hamlet, and Macbeth #killingit.

Better Nate Than Never, by Tim Federle
13-year-old Nate has big dreams. NYC dreams. Broadway dreams. But growing up in the small town of Jankburg, Pennsylvania, Broadway might as well be on the moon, not just a short bus ride away. Until the day Nate’s parents leave him under the (un)watchful eye of his older brother for the weekend. With the help of his best friend Libby, Nate hatches a plan to travel to New York to audition for E.T.: The Musical. Escaping from his brother isn’t hard, but then there’s still the matter of getting a bus ticket (which he’s not old enough to buy), navigating NYC, and dealing with a lack of appropriate wardrobe attire. There’s the competition, the parents, the judges. And there’s the rule about attending the open audition with a chaperone. At the end of the day, Nate is left with shattered dreams, a dying cell phone…and a miracle. Better Nate than Never and the sequel, Five, Six, Seven, Nate! are must reads for any big dreamer.