Smile by Raina Telgemeier

Release Date: Available Now from Scholastic

Source: Personal Collection

Synopsis:

Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth, and what follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there's still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly.

This coming-of-age true story is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever been in middle school, and especially those who have ever had a bit of their own dental drama.

I've really been loving graphic novels lately. Of the ones of picked up and read recently, not a one of them has been disappointing. Smile is a wonderful addition to the genre.

Telgemeier is the wonderful talent who has adapted and illustrated The Babysitter's Club graphic novels, which a wonderful. It's so exciting to me that a new generation gets to discover this awesome series in a whole new way. Of course, now we all know that they are re-releasing the original series, which has been a long time coming. That re-release will in no way diminish Telgemeier's delightful addition to the BSC world.

Smile is completely Telgemeier's own story from start to finish. It's beautifully illustrated and is one of the best coming-of-age stories I've read in a long time. It's full of all those awkward mishaps and life-ending drama of the years from middle school to high school.

I think the author and I are pretty close in age, so this was a total trip back in time for me. It's really brought those years back into focus and helped me to laugh at my own awkwardness.

I can't get enough of Telgemeier's work. She's just such a huge talent that I believe has only started to show us all that she has to offer. Smile would be a welcome addition to any collection and it's also a great choice for school and public libraries everywhere. Check it out....it'll definitely make you Smile! (Sorry, I couldn't resist).