logo

74 pages 2 hours read

Smile: A Graphic Novel

Fiction | Graphic Novel/Book | Middle Grade | Published in 2010

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Book Brief

logo
Raina Telgemeier

Smile

Fiction | Graphic Novel/Book | Middle Grade | Published in 2010
Book Details
Pages

213

Format

Graphic Novel/Book • Fiction

Setting

San Francisco, California • 1980s-1990s

Publication Year

2010

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Smile by Raina Telgemeier follows 11-year-old Raina as she navigates life after losing her two front teeth in an accident, grappling with dental procedures, friendships, and self-esteem issues in a San Francisco suburb from 1989 to 1992. The story captures her struggles and growth as she learns to prioritize her passions over her appearance. The book addresses anxiety and bullying.

Heartwarming

Inspirational

Humorous

Emotional

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.5

303,945 ratings

80%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Reviews of Raina Telgemeier’s Smile reveal widespread acclaim for its engaging storytelling and relatable characters. Readers praise its humor, honesty, and emotional depth, especially in portraying the challenges of adolescence. Criticisms are few but mention occasional predictability. Overall, Smile is celebrated as a compelling and heartfelt graphic novel.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Smile?

Smile by Raina Telgemeier is perfect for readers aged 9-13 who enjoy relatable coming-of-age stories with a humorous and heartfelt touch. Ideal for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Sisters, it combines engaging graphics with themes of self-discovery and resilience, making it an excellent choice for middle school students.

4.5

303,945 ratings

80%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Raina Telgemeier

A young girl navigating middle school while dealing with personal challenges, particularly relating to her dental issues, which impact her self-esteem and social interactions.

A supportive and protective figure who accompanies Raina to dental appointments and offers reassurance and guidance throughout her struggles.

Raina’s father is a good-natured figure who appears less frequently, providing a more laid-back presence in the family dynamic.

Raina's younger sister who initially teases her about wearing braces but her relationship with Raina evolves over time, leading to deeper dynamics explored in the sequel.

The youngest sibling in Raina's family who stays mostly in the background, reflecting the experiences of a toddler.

Raina’s confident friend who remains friendly and stays in touch despite attending a different high school, yet sometimes aligns with the group dynamics.

A friend of Raina’s who often critiques her appearance, contributing to the group’s changing attitudes toward Raina.

Friends who, along with Emily, become less supportive as Raina’s social challenges increase, being part of the larger group dynamics.

A friend who feels guilty about her role in Raina’s accident and becomes less central to the story as time goes on.

Peers who often mock Raina, embodying the type of bullies Raina must confront as she grows more self-aware.

Raina’s school peer who also wears braces and serves as a shared experience in her journey through middle school.

An aspirational figure for Raina, admired for his talents in basketball and art, representing her idealized version of a boyfriend.

Raina’s orthodontist who approaches her treatment with a cheerful demeanor but occasionally lacks sensitivity in communication.

A dentist who performs Raina’s surgeries and is more naturally supportive, with a child-friendly practice environment.

Book Details
Pages

213

Format

Graphic Novel/Book • Fiction

Setting

San Francisco, California • 1980s-1990s

Publication Year

2010

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.