74 pages • 2 hours read
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213
Graphic Novel/Book • Fiction
San Francisco, California • 1980s-1990s
2010
Middle grade
8-12 years
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
303,945 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
303,945 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Raina’s Mother
A supportive and protective figure who accompanies Raina to dental appointments and offers reassurance and guidance throughout her struggles.
Raina’s Father
Raina’s father is a good-natured figure who appears less frequently, providing a more laid-back presence in the family dynamic.
Amara
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.
Will
The youngest sibling in Raina's family who stays mostly in the background, reflecting the experiences of a toddler.
Melissa
Raina’s confident friend who remains friendly and stays in touch despite attending a different high school, yet sometimes aligns with the group dynamics.
Emily
A friend of Raina’s who often critiques her appearance, contributing to the group’s changing attitudes toward Raina.
Kaylah and Jenny
Friends who, along with Emily, become less supportive as Raina’s social challenges increase, being part of the larger group dynamics.
Kelli
A friend who feels guilty about her role in Raina’s accident and becomes less central to the story as time goes on.
Karin and Nicole
Peers who often mock Raina, embodying the type of bullies Raina must confront as she grows more self-aware.
Sammy
Raina’s school peer who also wears braces and serves as a shared experience in her journey through middle school.
Sean
An aspirational figure for Raina, admired for his talents in basketball and art, representing her idealized version of a boyfriend.
Dr. Dragoni
Raina’s orthodontist who approaches her treatment with a cheerful demeanor but occasionally lacks sensitivity in communication.
Dr. Golden
A dentist who performs Raina’s surgeries and is more naturally supportive, with a child-friendly practice environment.
213
Graphic Novel/Book • Fiction
San Francisco, California • 1980s-1990s
2010
Middle grade
8-12 years
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