Module 10: Smile

Smile by Raina Telgemeier

Book Summary:

Raina, a sixth grader, falls one night and messes up her two front teeth. This leads to years of orthodontia and surgery in an attempt to give her back her normal smile. Her teeth problems only add to all the other things she has to navigate in her life (boys, friends, and school). However, through her journey she learns to like how she looks and be confident with herself.

APA Reference of Book:

Telgemeier, R. (2010). Smile. New York, NY: Graphix.

Impressions:

I really enjoyed this book. This is one of the first graphic novels I have ever read, and I liked it surprisingly. Raina was really easy to relate to, especially since I also was forced to wear headgear at one point. I think anyone who had to have braces will really enjoy this book and understand what the main character is going through. This book tells an important story of how we need to be comfortable with who we are on the inside, and that will shine through to the outside. We cannot let how we look affect how we feel. This is a very important message, for teenage girls especially. Raina also has to deal with growing out of friendships and having to find new friends. Even though this is hard, it usually is for the best. I think this is a great book that middle school and high school kids will like. Also, because it is a graphic novel it will probably appeal to reluctant readers.

Professional Review:

“Telgemeier has created an utterly charming graphic memoir of tooth trauma, first crushes and fickle friends, sweetly reminiscent of Judy Blume’s work. One night, Raina trips and falls after a Girl Scout meeting, knocking out her two front teeth. This leads to years of painful surgeries, braces, agonizing root canals and other oral atrocities. Her friends offer little solace through this trying ordeal, spending more of their time teasing than comforting her. After years of these girls’ constant belittling, Raina branches out and finds her own voice and a new group of friends. Young girls will relate to her story, and her friend-angst is palpable. Readers should not overlook this seemingly simply drawn work; the strong writing and emotionally expressive characters add an unexpected layer of depth. As an afterword, the author includes a photo of her smiling, showing off the results of all of the years of pain she endured. Irresistible, funny and touching—a must read for all teenage girls, whether en-braced or not.”

Smile [Review of the book Smile by Raina Telgemeier]. (2010, January 1). Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/raina-telgemeier/smile/

Library Uses:

Since this is a graphic novel, I think it would be fun to do a program and book display on drawing and writing comics and graphic novels. The book display could include normal drawing books, but should also include books specifically about creating comic strips. At the program, you could invite an artist or art teacher to come and show kids different drawing techniques. A variety of graphic novels and comic books could be provided for kids to look at for inspiration. The kids could draw or write about whatever they want in their comic strip. If kids are not sure what to do, encourage them to write/draw about their everyday life, like Smile.