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Smile

Book 1 in the series:Smile

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Smile by Raina Telgemeier is a graphic novel memoir that follows the life of a girl named Raina who faces challenges with braces and self-esteem issues during her middle school years. The book narrates Raina's journey of dental surgeries, dealing with bullies, friendships, crushes, and the struggles of being a teenager, all portrayed in a relatable and humorous way through colorful and engaging comic-style illustrations.

Raina's story in Smile resonates with readers, especially middle school students, as it captures the essence of growing up, facing insecurities, and navigating through the ups and downs of adolescence. The book touches on themes of self-acceptance, resilience, friendship dynamics, and the common struggles experienced during the transition from childhood to teenage years, making it a heartwarming and relatable coming-of-age tale.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines humor with an autobiographical narrative, using engaging illustrations to enhance the reader's connection to the story.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a young girl's struggles with her dental issues after an accident, interwoven with her experiences growing up through adolescence, including challenges with peer relationships and self-acceptance.

Setting:

The setting takes place in San Francisco in the late 80s and early 90s, with key locations including school, home, and the orthodontist's office, reflecting the cultural context of Raina's childhood.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast yet balanced, allowing for humor and seriousness to coexist, keeping the reader engaged throughout Raina's journey.

Notes:

The book Smile is an autobiographical graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier.
It tells the story of Raina's experiences in middle and high school, particularly her journey with braces and dental issues.
Raina loses her two front teeth due to an accident while running home.
The graphic novel depicts her struggles with self-esteem and friendship throughout the orthodontic treatments.
Raina's character development highlights themes of self-acceptance and the importance of true friendships.
The plot is set in San Francisco and includes references to pop culture from the late 80s and early 90s.
Raina's story is relatable to many readers who have experienced bullying or insecurities during adolescence.
The artwork in Smile combines humor with heartfelt storytelling, making it engaging for young readers.
The book has received several awards, including the Eisner Award for Best Publication for Teens in 2011.
Smile has remained popular among middle school readers since its publication, often leading to discussions about peer pressure and personal identity.

From The Publisher:

Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth, and what follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there's still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly.

This coming-of-age true story is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever been in middle school, and especially those who have ever had a bit of their own dental drama.

Ratings (16)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (4)
Liked It (7)
It Was OK (2)
Hated It (2)

Reader Stats (32):

Read It (23)
Want To Read (7)
Not Interested (2)
 
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