Zibby Payne & the Drama Trauma
by Alison Bell

    ZIBBY PAYNE & THE DRAMA TRAUMA by Alison Bell
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  4/26/07
    Publisher:  Lobster Press
    Reviewed by:  Allison Fraclose
    Rating:  4 Stars


    Zibby Payne has decided that “drama is for sissies, not tomboys,” so she has absolutely no interest in trying out for
    the school play, even though everyone else is. But when hotshot Amber comes to her for soccer tips, Zibby can’t
    help but think that she would be a natural for the lead character, who scores the winning soccer goal at the end of the
    play.

    Before she knows what she’s getting in to, Zibby lands a part in the play…as “The Prissy Girl!” She even has to sing
    a solo about the color pink! Amber, of course, gets the main part, while Zibby’s soccer buddy, Matthew, lands the
    role of lead male.

    When an accident lands Amber in a cast and Zibby in the main role, Zibby and Matthew are horrified to learn that
    they must kiss at the play’s closing. Mrs. Halpin, the director, will not back down, and Zibby must try everything to
    get out of this kiss, even if it means quitting the show.

    I had a very hard time believing that a teacher would force two obviously uncomfortable students to exchange such
    an intimate gesture in public. Regardless, Zibby’s second adventure left me with a few laughs, and a happy conclusion.