Smile

Telgemeier, R. (2010). Smile. NY: Scholastic Graphix.

This is an autobiographical novel about Raina Telgemeier during her adolescence. It focuses mainly during her middle and high school years. When she first found out she needed braces to correct an overbite, she definitely wasn’t so happy about them. Then one night after a Girl Scout meeting, she falls and knocks her two front teeth out. Suddenly, braces are the least of her problems. Over the next few years, her dentist tries every trick to try to help Raina. He fuses her teeth to her bone, pulls them and gives her fake teeth on a retainer, gets her headgear that fortunately she only has to wear at night and even gets braces to try to shift her teeth. Meanwhile, Raina is desperately trying to be normal and fit in at school just like any other girl her age. To top it off she also starts having boy and friend problems.

I love this graphic novel and how it clearly illustrates the story. It is funny, sad, and without a doubt very touching because you know the problems she goes through are very common. These are the kind of problems most adolescents have trouble with and can definitely relate to.  For example, appearance can suddenly change when a pimple comes out. That’s when insecurities start to develop. Also, relationships start emerging and problems begin. Friendships can certainly change and bullying is also very common. Like when Raina’s “friends” teased her and even pulled her skirt down making her feel extremely embarrassed.

Book trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY1vK5RfHeI

About the author:

https://goraina.com/

Other books by the author: