What do you think?
Rate this book
Candy Apple #5
Drama Queen
Candy Apple is a fresh, fun take on fiction for a new line of single titles with pep and pizzazz targeted at the solid middle-grade reader.
Charlie and her best friend Nicole never dreamed that auditioning for the junior high's musical would lead to this much drama! Charlie gets stuck babysitting her little sister -- and her sister's imaginary friend -- at rehearsals. The school's theater diva has it out for her. And who knew the cutest guy in school could sing and act?
But when the curtain finally goes up, the spotlight falls on something no one expected . . . especially Charlie.
Charlie and her best friend Nicole never dreamed that auditioning for the junior high's musical would lead to this much drama! Charlie gets stuck babysitting her little sister -- and her sister's imaginary friend -- at rehearsals. The school's theater diva has it out for her. And who knew the cutest guy in school could sing and act?
But when the curtain finally goes up, the spotlight falls on something no one expected . . . especially Charlie.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
40 people are currently reading
1624 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
August 23, 2013
I usually like the Candy Apple books, even though they're typically extremely predictable and don't always have the best writing (with the exception of the 'Accidentally' series by Lisa Papademetriou), but Drama Queen reaches new depths of predictability and not-so-great writing. It has been a few days since I've read it, and I've read many books since then, so I am a bit fuzzy on the details.
I noticed one typo, which isn't a huge issue, but I felt that the writing style itself overly dramatized small events. Charlie seems to make a big deal out of stuff that isn't so bad. Getting a part in the chorus is great, especially when one completely fails in their audition (I, too, have messed up my auditions before).
Oh, and here's an example of the predictable part. At one point in the book, where Charlie and Nicole (she's Charlie's best friend) are running lines together,
Charlie's home life also seems kind of unrealistic, but I only have one brother, so please don't take offense if I'm wrong about this. Her little sister is incredibly obnoxious, her two twin sisters are way too perky and perfect, and her brother just happens to be Kyle's best friend. I think the characters of her siblings were there just to create some problems or tension necessary to the plot, although I suppose it could be argued that almost any supporting character in any book is also there to serve the same purpose. But really, her sisters call over the ENTIRE CHEERLEADING SQUAD, which the book even says to be twenty girls, just to bake stuff? I have no idea how their kitchen is big enough for that
You may be wondering why, after all this picking apart of the weak plot and mediocre writing style, why I have given Drama Queen two stars instead of one. The reason is as follows: that despite all this book has going against it, it has a meager few redeeming features. A few parts were kind of funny, like when Charlie is 'secretly' reading a note, and then her choir teacher is like, "Did you hit a wrong note, perhaps?" Even though puns annoy me to no end, I couldn't help but laugh. Anyway, I only give one star to books that I REALLY dislike, and Drama Queen hasn't earned that distinction.
Oh yeah, one more thing! Charlie's character was kind of shallow. She likes Kyle and obsesses over him for almost the entire book, but when If I were to describe her attitude, I would say that she waits for stuff to drop into her lap, such as
Anyway, that's enough dissecting and complaining for now!
I noticed one typo, which isn't a huge issue, but I felt that the writing style itself overly dramatized small events. Charlie seems to make a big deal out of stuff that isn't so bad. Getting a part in the chorus is great, especially when one completely fails in their audition (I, too, have messed up my auditions before).
Oh, and here's an example of the predictable part. At one point in the book, where Charlie and Nicole (she's Charlie's best friend) are running lines together,
Charlie's home life also seems kind of unrealistic, but I only have one brother, so please don't take offense if I'm wrong about this. Her little sister is incredibly obnoxious, her two twin sisters are way too perky and perfect, and her brother just happens to be Kyle's best friend. I think the characters of her siblings were there just to create some problems or tension necessary to the plot, although I suppose it could be argued that almost any supporting character in any book is also there to serve the same purpose. But really, her sisters call over the ENTIRE CHEERLEADING SQUAD, which the book even says to be twenty girls, just to bake stuff? I have no idea how their kitchen is big enough for that
You may be wondering why, after all this picking apart of the weak plot and mediocre writing style, why I have given Drama Queen two stars instead of one. The reason is as follows: that despite all this book has going against it, it has a meager few redeeming features. A few parts were kind of funny, like when Charlie is 'secretly' reading a note, and then her choir teacher is like, "Did you hit a wrong note, perhaps?" Even though puns annoy me to no end, I couldn't help but laugh. Anyway, I only give one star to books that I REALLY dislike, and Drama Queen hasn't earned that distinction.
Oh yeah, one more thing! Charlie's character was kind of shallow. She likes Kyle and obsesses over him for almost the entire book, but when If I were to describe her attitude, I would say that she waits for stuff to drop into her lap, such as
Anyway, that's enough dissecting and complaining for now!
September 17, 2010
This book is about a girl named Charlie and her bff named Nicole(the lucky one)and they had never dreamed that auditioning for the junior high's musical would involve this much drama!Charie gets stuck babysitting her little sister - and her sister's imaginary freind - at rehersals. The school's theater diva has it out for her,and guess who gets to play the male lead? The cutest guy in school! unfortunately,(for charlie) when the curtain finally goes up,the spotlight falls on someone that nobody expected..... especially Charlie.
August 27, 2017
I borrowed this book from my little sis because I had no books to read and my mom didn't have time to take me to the library.
All I say is that I did not like this book at all and I couldn't get the story by chapter 1. I continued on to see if it was better but nope.
I only like Ian and Megan. I also like how Charlotte has a big family and how the author described the struggles of being in a big family. Anyways, this book was a one star for me (sorry, Ame!)
Also, check out my bestie online friend from another part of my world:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
She is amazing, I promise that!
All I say is that I did not like this book at all and I couldn't get the story by chapter 1. I continued on to see if it was better but nope.
I only like Ian and Megan. I also like how Charlotte has a big family and how the author described the struggles of being in a big family. Anyways, this book was a one star for me (sorry, Ame!)
Also, check out my bestie online friend from another part of my world:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
She is amazing, I promise that!
Read
June 3, 2010I read this book 2 or 3 years ago so I dont remember that much of it. It was a really good book though from what I remember....It was very funny and reminded me of reall life stuff that happens not all that fake stuff you see in mean girls.
June 9, 2009
This book was a total story of drama and like it was about a fashion show. that all really and a new girl name well i don't remember what her name was but I think she was righting the book.
Read
September 17, 2009IGNORE THE CLIQUES AND MEAN GURLS NUTHIN BUT TROUBLE
December 23, 2010
I liked this book a lot!!!!!!! it had a twist to it! i love drama so it was easy to realate to it!
June 29, 2014
I really liked the ending.
December 26, 2019
1. Bullying is bad.
2. Theatre divas even more so.
3. No one's allowed to peak out the curtain once it's open House.
4. Jesus Christ. If you think you can't perform in the play because of reasons, ON THE SHOW DATE, tell the stage manager if not the crew the moment you realize this. And not delay it until GREEN ROOM. Jesus, that diva would never be given a big part in any plays of mine of given the chance.
5. Cute tech committee members will always be better than cute co-actors. Always.
2. Theatre divas even more so.
3. No one's allowed to peak out the curtain once it's open House.
4. Jesus Christ. If you think you can't perform in the play because of reasons, ON THE SHOW DATE, tell the stage manager if not the crew the moment you realize this. And not delay it until GREEN ROOM. Jesus, that diva would never be given a big part in any plays of mine of given the chance.
5. Cute tech committee members will always be better than cute co-actors. Always.
November 23, 2018
great, nice
Read
July 6, 2021This book is all about theatre. So I can relate to it. I can still imagine myself as a newbie, looking with awe at the seniors. The writing style is good.
January 27, 2022
I read this book last year, It was fun to read :)
October 1, 2023
I love it! So cute!!
March 26, 2024
ZUS
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2024
a personal favorite of mine in middle school. decided to read it once more before donating it
Currently reading
March 3, 2015Drama Queen
By: Lara Bergen
The main characters in this book are Charlie (the main character) And Nicole (Her best friend). The Plot starts at Charlies middle school where Charlie and Nicole decide to join the middle Musical. How ever, Charlie is put on babysitting duty for the week and has to watch her younger sister while, trying to practice for the play. It docent help that her little sister has an imaginary friend too. When charlie trys out for the play things don't go the way she wanted, She ends up trying out and then realizes that her "frenemy" (crush) was also trying out and has a lead role as well. On top of that this girl name Amber trys all types of ways to get on Charlies nerves. So, charlie tries to do her best. I recommend this book to people who like dramas !
By: Lara Bergen
The main characters in this book are Charlie (the main character) And Nicole (Her best friend). The Plot starts at Charlies middle school where Charlie and Nicole decide to join the middle Musical. How ever, Charlie is put on babysitting duty for the week and has to watch her younger sister while, trying to practice for the play. It docent help that her little sister has an imaginary friend too. When charlie trys out for the play things don't go the way she wanted, She ends up trying out and then realizes that her "frenemy" (crush) was also trying out and has a lead role as well. On top of that this girl name Amber trys all types of ways to get on Charlies nerves. So, charlie tries to do her best. I recommend this book to people who like dramas !
November 5, 2012
Reviewed by Liz for TeensReadToo.com
Charlie and Nicole are best friends and do practically everything together, including trying out for the school musical.
The only things in their way are Amber Wiley and her little sister, Olivia. Oh, and Nelson, Olivia's imaginary friend!
When Charlie and Nicole try out something fishy starts happening, and no one is prepared for what happens next. What is it? You'll have to read the book to find out!
I give DRAMA QUEEN four stars because it makes you want to keep reading and reading!
Charlie and Nicole are best friends and do practically everything together, including trying out for the school musical.
The only things in their way are Amber Wiley and her little sister, Olivia. Oh, and Nelson, Olivia's imaginary friend!
When Charlie and Nicole try out something fishy starts happening, and no one is prepared for what happens next. What is it? You'll have to read the book to find out!
I give DRAMA QUEEN four stars because it makes you want to keep reading and reading!
Read
June 4, 2010I like this book because it has something for me to relate to. When I was in third grade I tried out for the play, got embarressed, and got a really small part without any speaking. And so did the main character Charlie (or Charlotte).
I think it was a good book. All in all, I liked it. Out of 10, I give it like a 6. I hope you read it, and like it as much as I did.
- by Skippy http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?...
I think it was a good book. All in all, I liked it. Out of 10, I give it like a 6. I hope you read it, and like it as much as I did.
- by Skippy http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?...
Read
February 18, 2009Charlotte is my favorite person in this book. I loved it, it was amazingly funny to read! If your looking for and easy but not very easy book to read over the weekend and you're a material girl living in a material world pick this up. The charecters are so relatable to people between the ages of 10 and 21.
August 19, 2009
This is simpley amazing as well but better than the book The greek stole christmas. In this book it explains how to work out with a bully and to the bully you may get something more than others but in the end something is right that used to not be right in the beginning. You must read to find out more.
December 15, 2012
I really liked this book because it was really funny.
Charlie and her best friend Nicole never dreamed that auditioning for the junior high's musical would lead to this much drama!But Charlie has to babysit her little sister Olivia.But somethings do not turn so bad.
I recommend girls to read this book and my favorite character is Charlie.
Charlie and her best friend Nicole never dreamed that auditioning for the junior high's musical would lead to this much drama!But Charlie has to babysit her little sister Olivia.But somethings do not turn so bad.
I recommend girls to read this book and my favorite character is Charlie.
February 18, 2013
This book ticked me off.
Charlie was a whiny pathetic girl- the extremely clichéd "I seem shy but I have a hidden talent" type.
She took everything for advantage. When she got in the chorus she acted like it was the "worst thing ever". Big whoop.
But really what should I have expected from a Candy Apple book?
Charlie was a whiny pathetic girl- the extremely clichéd "I seem shy but I have a hidden talent" type.
She took everything for advantage. When she got in the chorus she acted like it was the "worst thing ever". Big whoop.
But really what should I have expected from a Candy Apple book?
March 10, 2016
This book is about a girl sort of shy girl called Charlie who loves to act. When she is chosen to act in the school musical, it's not all cherries and ice-cream when the musical it-girl is acting all protective over her 'turf'. But Charlie's talent will safe the day...and might get her some notice from Kyle, the cute boy who's also acting at the play...
September 12, 2008
i love this book. as you may or may not know i am only 10 so this is one of my favorites. i love candy apple books. if you are an adult, pick this book up for your daughters today but if you are a kid yourself beg your parents. trust me it's totally worth it
June 19, 2009
I read this one with Ainsley (7). The subject matter (or interest level) was a little beyond her as it featured junior high aged girls. I think we both enjoyed it anyway. She picked this one out at her school's book fair.
July 22, 2009
i like this book i really thought the guy liked charlie but in stead he like her best friend. am glad she and ian if thats his name like each now an happy endin in the theatre with charlie beautiful voice give it 2 thumbs up.
December 17, 2009
This book was great because there are these two new people that just transfered to there school and the girl enters the play then she wanted to get the head of the light so she could get to see the boy better. Then this one girl got it instead it sort of made me made but then it wasnt that bad
January 17, 2010
I liked this book alittle but it is not on the level of things i enjoy reading nowadays. This was the first Candy Apple book that i read though and it made me want to read more. Lara Bergen is a good childrens writer and this is a good book.
May 31, 2012
I adore this book! This is a great summer read which you can slip in a bag and go to the beach with. Very sweet to and could possibly connect with you in some way. I recommend this for young girls who enjoy theater (Like me!!!) and possibly any girl looking for an cute read.
November 6, 2013
This book is very fun and l like it because charlie and Nicole are best friends and I have a best friends too.
And charlie and Nicole are going in the play called robin-hood and charlie fell in love with kyle. I love this book because I liked how her best friend made her go on stage.
And charlie and Nicole are going in the play called robin-hood and charlie fell in love with kyle. I love this book because I liked how her best friend made her go on stage.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews