Welcome to my blog!

Smile

Telgemeier, R. (2010). Smile. NY: Scholastic Graphix.

Media Type: Paperback book

This book contains 214 pages.

Summary:

This is an autobiographical novel about Raina during her adolescence. It focuses mainly during her middle school and high school years. When she first found out she needed braces to correct an overbite, she didn’t want them. Then one night after a Girl Scout meeting, she falls and knocks her two front teeth out. Suddenly braces are the least of her problems! Over the next few years, her dentist tries every trick: he fuses her teeth to her bone; they don’t take. He pulls them and gives her fake teeth on a retainer. She gets headgear that thankfully she only has to wear at night. She gets braces and they attempt to shift her teeth and make new front teeth. Meanwhile, Raina is desperately trying to be normal and fit in at school, get a boy to notice her, and find friends who accept her for who she is.

Response:

I think many people can relate to feeling insecure in both appearance and relationships during the middle school years. This is an accurate, cute story of finding yourself through all the teenage drama. Throughout the book the illustrations help tell the story and add to the presentation of the book. This book brings up a lot of issues that our students face everyday including relationship troubles. I would focus on the writing trait ideas for this book to help students understand they are not alone.

Connection to textbook:
Chapter 13- Graphic novels can be fun to read while at the same time offer a wealth of information for a wide range of readers. Graphic novels can help readers make a transition from picture books to chapter books.

Other books by the author