When San Francisco 6th grader Raina Telgemeier falls while playing tag with her friends, she knocks her front teeth out. Her dentist tries to fix her teeth, first with a cast then with a root canal. It soon becomes apparent however that more extensive work will need to be done. What follows is years of braces, headgears, retainers with fake teeth in the front, and rubber bands. Her teeth problems also happen as she is going through all the usual middle school stressors. Some friends are supportive but some are downright nasty.
Smile is a true story told in the form of a graphic novel. Raina Telgemeier, its author and illustrator, is also the illustrator and adapter of The Babysitter’s Club graphic novels. One the aspect of this book that I really enjoyed was the fact that it takes place in the early 1990’s when I was a junior high school student. I felt like I could relate to the time period and some of the things she was going through.
Smile is a quick read and is for readers who are looking for a relatable realistic story. Though it is a true story, it reminded me of Judy Bloom’s novels for young adults.
by- Katie G.
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