Telgemeier, R. (2010). Smile. NY: Scholastic Press.
Telgemeier shares her own coming of age story through Smile. It can be difficult trying to fit in under normal circumstances, but when Raina knocks out her front two front teeth at the beginning of sixth-grade, life gets even more complicated. Written as a memoir, the reader sees the struggles of a young Raina as she endures dental surgeries, braces, and head gear over a four-year time period. Through this ordeal, she also finds out who her true friends are. Just when things couldn’t seem to get any worse, the earthquake, Loma Prieta, happened. What follows is a lot of transition from middle school to high school; her first crush and trying to make new friends.
It was very easy to relate to this book. I still cringe when I think of my middle school years and can remember the struggle to fit in and feel accepted. Many readers will relate to the issues with crushes, changing friendships, and feeling socially accepted. I think this book is appropriate for upper elementary and beyond. We do have this book in our elementary library, and our students love it! I think the young readers can still relate to Raina’s experiences as many of them are facing some of the same issues or maybe know someone that is.
**Required YA author
Other books by Raina Tegemeier:
Sisters ISBN 978-0545540605
Ghosts ISBN 978-0545540629
Smile Book Trailer
Raina Telgemeier Interview
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