Smile Book Review: A Graphic Novel by Raina Telgemeier
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Learn more here.
Smile Book Review
I was lucky enough to find a copy of Smile by Raina Telgemeier and the thrift store a few weeks ago. I’m glad, because I’ve been wanting to read and review this graphic novel for my blog for quite some time. Now I finally have the chance!
I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but the illustrations sucked me in. Add to that Telgemeier’s storytelling and I knew that I was in for a good book. To put it simply, I really loved this story. I think books like these are the best book for kids to be reading these days. Keep reading for my Smile book review because I have so many thoughts on this graphic novel memoir. It’s a quick read and I can’t wait to flip through it again.
About Raina Telgemeier
Raina Telgemeier is the New York Times Bestselling author of Smile, which is all about her life. So in the pages of this graphic novel or comic book, we learn a lot about her childhood and what it was like for her growing up. She was raised in San Francisco with her two younger siblings.
Smile is the first book in her Smile series, which is made up of three graphic novels. She has worked on other books and even illustrated the graphic novel versions of The Babysitter’s Club. I have not ready any of those yet but I can’t wait to check them out. I love Raina’s art style and I’m sure she did a great job of capturing the magic of Kristy and the BSC.
What is Smile by Raina Telgemeier About?
Smile is a memoir-style graphic novel that recounts Raina’s own experiences during her middle school and high school years. The story primarily focuses on Raina’s orthodontic treatment after she injures her two front teeth in a fall. It’s a long and drawn out process to fix her smile, which is where the title of this book comes from.
But dental drama isn’t Raina’s only challenge. She deals with issues with her old friends, making new friends, her crush on a cute boy at school, and the physical pain of all her dental work (and just puberty in general).
It’s a lot! But Raina is a sympathetic character and I think anyone who reads this will find her story relatable. For kids in middle school and high school it will be comforting to know that other people go through the same things. And I think for adults (like myself) it just takes me back, and makes me feel nostalgic.
Smile is Very Relatable
I really enjoyed Raina’s story because it’s so relatable. As a young girl her world is made of up so many things that I remember from eighth grade, like first crushes, boy confusion, going to a girl scout meeting, and more. I remember car trips with three kids crammed in the backseat. I remember feeling confused and lonely and not sure where I belonged.
Now I’m not familiar with head gear or fake teeth. I’ve also never been through a big earthquake. But I do remember the painful orthodontist appointments where they would tighten your braces. You’d go home that night after your appointment and barely be able to eat.
All I’m trying to say is that this book reminded me a lot of my own childhood and is very relatable. Middle school and high school can be challenging for a variety of reasons and I think all readers will see bits of their own middle and high school years in this story.
Who will Enjoy This Book?
To put it simply, I think readers of all ages will enjoy this book.
People enjoy graphic novels for a variety of reasons, and the medium offers a unique and engaging way to tell stories. All artists have their own way of doing things and I really enjoyed Raina’s art style. As I mentioned earlier she has published quite a few books and I look forward to reading and enjoying more of them.
Very Interesting Moments in Smile
- Raina’s first major earthquake experience
- Going to see The Little Mermaid in theaters and finding her loves for Disney
- The banter between Raina’s friend group is pretty funny at times (although sometimes mean)
- Any scene that takes place at the school dances
Let’s Wrap It Up
In conclusion, Smile transcends its pages to offer readers a heartfelt journey through the tumultuous years of adolescence. Raina (our main character) starts off as a normal sixth grader and in just a few short years goes through so much. At one point she and her mom are listing everything that she went through and believe me… it was a lot.
Using her own experiences, Raina Telgemeier captures the universal challenges of self-discovery, friendship, and finding happiness. Each page is filled with beautiful illustrations that are visually engaging and honestly… they’ll just make you smile! Telgemeier’s art is so charming.
If you enjoy graphic novels, young adult books, and on-again off-again braces (so much drama) then I think you’ll enjoy this book as much as I did. It has a positive message that is great for young girls and women alike.
It’s a brisk read so I finished it quickly and can’t wait to flip through it again!
xo Marian
