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pam_'s review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Body shaming and Bullying
sallytiffany's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
This was really cute. I related to the dental stuff so much as I went through a ton with braces, retainers, spaces, and rubber bands. It was nice to see my experience on paper. A lovely short read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Toxic friendship, Medical content, and Body shaming
kelly_e's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
Title: Smile
Author: Raina Telgemeier
Series: Smile #1
Genre: Graphic Novel
Rating: 4.0
Pub Date: July 12, 2009
T H R E E • W O R D S
Relatable • Honest • Realistic
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Raina simply wants to be a 'normal' sixth grader. One evening after Girl Scouts, she falls and severely injures her two front teeth. What ensues for Raina is a long and frustrating journey with a variety of orthodontic equipment along with dealing with typical middle school struggles.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I only recently started reading graphic novels, and Smile was an absolute delight. When I started reading, I didn't want to stop, and ended up reading the whole book in one sitting.
I appreciated the autobiographical nature of a traumatic event experienced by the author that is the basis of this graphic novel. The book handles a variety of serious and relatable issues faced by a young people yet it's approached in a lighthearted manner. The way which Raina handles her less than friendly group of 'friends' is a definite win.
When it comes to the art, the fun, colourful images enhanced this coming-of-age story wonderfully. They felt like a realistic portrait of middle school life, despite being cartoonish.
Essentially aimed at a younger audience, Smile is feel-good story that is just as enjoyable for adults. It made me want to pick up the other two books in the series.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• generation Y
• middle grade students
• reluctant readers
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Weird...something happens when you smile at people. They smile back."
Author: Raina Telgemeier
Series: Smile #1
Genre: Graphic Novel
Rating: 4.0
Pub Date: July 12, 2009
T H R E E • W O R D S
Relatable • Honest • Realistic
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Raina simply wants to be a 'normal' sixth grader. One evening after Girl Scouts, she falls and severely injures her two front teeth. What ensues for Raina is a long and frustrating journey with a variety of orthodontic equipment along with dealing with typical middle school struggles.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I only recently started reading graphic novels, and Smile was an absolute delight. When I started reading, I didn't want to stop, and ended up reading the whole book in one sitting.
I appreciated the autobiographical nature of a traumatic event experienced by the author that is the basis of this graphic novel. The book handles a variety of serious and relatable issues faced by a young people yet it's approached in a lighthearted manner. The way which Raina handles her less than friendly group of 'friends' is a definite win.
When it comes to the art, the fun, colourful images enhanced this coming-of-age story wonderfully. They felt like a realistic portrait of middle school life, despite being cartoonish.
Essentially aimed at a younger audience, Smile is feel-good story that is just as enjoyable for adults. It made me want to pick up the other two books in the series.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• generation Y
• middle grade students
• reluctant readers
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Weird...something happens when you smile at people. They smile back."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, and Medical content
Moderate: Toxic friendship and Bullying
Minor: Vomit
anielabooks's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Blood and Vomit
anniefwrites's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
This was so wholesome! It really took me back to my expander- and braces-wearing days. I love the way that Telgemeier can choose a topic from her life and explore it over wide swaths of time but still feel in the moment. Such a warm hug of a book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Medical content, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Toxic friendship
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