Hardcover, 224 pages
English language
Published Feb. 1, 2010 by Graphix.
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.
In attempt to simply read all of Telgemeier's work I didn't actually realize at first that this was autobiographical. A nice turn of events though, I continue to enjoy Telgemeier's style of writing and drawing - even if some of her characters look a bit too similar series to series. I definitely felt like this was perhaps one of her most truly all ages series, braces are apparently a rather timeless trauma.
Title: Smile
Author: Raina Telgemeier
After a girl scout meeting, Raina falls down: completely screwing up her two front teeth. What follows is years and years of painful orthodontics from 6th grade-9th. In the middle there is boy, friend, and earthquake trouble. This is the autobiography of Raina Telgemeier's dental period in life.
Smile is a heartwarming story. It made me want to read it in a day. For a graphic novel it is very good.
