Telgemeier,
Raina. Smile. Graphix, New York, 2010.
214 pages. Tr. $21.99 ISBN 9780545132053
Plot
Description:
Raina is not thrilled about getting braces, but
braces are nothing compared to what Raina goes through after she accidentally
trips and knocks out her front two teeth.
The dentist tries to reimplant Raina’s teeth, but they do not heal
correctly, leading to further dental work for Raina. Back at school Raina’s friends tease her
about her dental work, as if middle school weren’t tough enough as it was? Since Raina’s teeth did not heal properly the
orthodontist proposes removing the two front teeth entirely! But he has a plan, he will insert two fake
teeth and over the course of several months he will shift the rest of Raina’s teeth
toward the center disguising the missing teeth.
As Raina’s real teeth shift, the orthodontist will shave down the fake
teeth until her real teeth replace them.
Throughout middle school Raina deals with teeth casts, braces, and head
gear, but it is all worth it when she debuts her beautiful new smile when she
gets to high school.
Review:
I loved Smile! Raina Telgemeier’s autobiographical
graphic novel brought me back to my own experiences at the orthodontist as a
child. Lucky for me I didn’t have to
endure nearly the amount of dental work Raina did! Telgemeier has a fun and bubbly style of
writing that matches her amusing, bold and colorful illustrations. Any tween who is undergoing orthodontic work
will be reassured by Raina’s experience, especially since just getting braces
is nothing compared to all the dental work poor Raina went through.
Genre:
Graphic Novel
Nonfiction
Reading
Level/Interest Level:
Grades 6-9
Similar
Books:
Drama
by
Raina Telgemeier
Awards/Honors:
Cybil Award 2010
Will Eisner Award 2010
YALSA Best Graphic Novels for Teens 2011
Author’s
Website:
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