Status
Available
Series
Publication
Graphix Publishing (2000)
Description
Health & Fitness. Juvenile Nonfiction. Sociology. HTML: Raina Telgemeier's #1 New York Times bestselling, Eisner Award-winning graphic memoir based on her childhood!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. 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.
Similar in this library
User reviews
LibraryThing member sacamp
Raina is going into 7th grade and getting brasses but she tumbled hared and knocked out her to front teeth! She looks stupid with out her teeth so she has temporary fake ones. Raina is all so having trouble with her friends looks like there is going to be some hard years for her.
LibraryThing member ringenka
Smile details the evolution of Raina Telgemeier’s orthodontic woes in this coming of age graphic novel. At the start of the book Raina is in the 6th grade and learns that she needs braces to correct an overbite. After a girl scout meeting Raina trips, falls and knocks out her two front teeth,
Show More
which makes the need of braces seem minor compared to the dentistry Raina now requires. The book ends with Raina’s sophomore year of high school and the removal of her braces. At the start of the book Raina tries to fit in with and be as mature as her friends who focus on boys and fashion; Raina never quite belongs in this group as she is more interested in video games and cartoons. In high school she finally splits off from her friends when they pull her skirt down while she is waiting at a vending machine. Raina realizes that she is happier and more truly herself when she becomes friends with a group of artists, but at the same time she bears no resentment toward her old friends; they are just not the right group for her. Younger audiences will relate to the experiences of Raina while people in their early 30s will appreciate the story being set in the early 90s with references to the San Francisco earthquake, scrunchies, and the New Kids on the Block. Ages: 10+. Show Less
LibraryThing member JulianneM
This graphic novel is great for middle school aged children. It is a graphic novel about Raina Tegemeir and her problems with braces and everything in between. She has a lot of issues and problems that she must face throughout the book including the usual things that middle school children deal
Show More
with. This book would be great to use in the hospital setting because it deals with self-esteem and other issues that patients are often facing. Show Less
LibraryThing member fyrefly98
Summary: When Raina was in sixth grade, she tripped and fell while running up her front walk, and knocked out her front two teeth. In Smile, she describes the next four years of dental surgery, orthodontia, and most importantly, growing up that she had to undergo in order to find her smile - and
Review: It's a cute story, and one that definitely got a few wistful chuckles and a few outright giggles out of me. Although the coming-of-age moral is pretty universal, I probably would have identified with the story more if I'd had braces as a kid, but I was extremely lucky in that respect (don't hate me too much; I make up for it by having terrible eyes.) I really liked the artwork; it's pretty straightforward panel-based narrative, but I like Telgemeier's style of drawing, and the book is really bright and colorful throughout. (You can see a sample at the author's website.) So, overall, it was definitely an enjoyable read, and an interesting change of pace from my normal fantasy/sci-fi graphic novels, but not exactly life-changing. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Recommendation: If you suffered through braces as a kid (or have them now!) and/or like memoirs in graphic novel form, you'll probably enjoy this book.
Show More
herself.Review: It's a cute story, and one that definitely got a few wistful chuckles and a few outright giggles out of me. Although the coming-of-age moral is pretty universal, I probably would have identified with the story more if I'd had braces as a kid, but I was extremely lucky in that respect (don't hate me too much; I make up for it by having terrible eyes.) I really liked the artwork; it's pretty straightforward panel-based narrative, but I like Telgemeier's style of drawing, and the book is really bright and colorful throughout. (You can see a sample at the author's website.) So, overall, it was definitely an enjoyable read, and an interesting change of pace from my normal fantasy/sci-fi graphic novels, but not exactly life-changing. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Recommendation: If you suffered through braces as a kid (or have them now!) and/or like memoirs in graphic novel form, you'll probably enjoy this book.
Show Less
LibraryThing member wiremonkey
Now for something completely different! Have you been to the dentist lately? Had a cleaning? Perhaps need to get a cavity filled? Or even a root canal? Did you complain about it?
Well, after reading this book, you will never complain about your paltry visits to the dentist again.
Here is the product
Eleven-year-old Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after a trip-and-fall mishap, she injures her two front teeth, and what follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, corrective 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 had a bit of their own dental drama.
I bought this one for my brand, spanking new graphic novel collection in my library and brought it home to my daughters, who both love the format. It wa my oldest who recommended I read it, so there for I did.
It is a pretty straightforward coming of age story about a girl who suffers a major dental mishap right at the beginning of puberty. I could feel her pain as she tried to hide her screwed up teeth from her not-so sympathetic friends. The best part for me was when she finally decides to leave those so-called friends that had been making her the butt of their nasty comments since kindergarten, for some good ones, who supported her and helped her re-gain the self-confidence that had been whittled away for so many years. The art is simple, colour glossy, very appealing to the younger set. Recommended for anyone girl going through puberty, about to go through puberty or has gone through it and wants to score one with their kid.
Well, after reading this book, you will never complain about your paltry visits to the dentist again.
Here is the product
Show More
description:Eleven-year-old Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after a trip-and-fall mishap, she injures her two front teeth, and what follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, corrective 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 had a bit of their own dental drama.
I bought this one for my brand, spanking new graphic novel collection in my library and brought it home to my daughters, who both love the format. It wa my oldest who recommended I read it, so there for I did.
It is a pretty straightforward coming of age story about a girl who suffers a major dental mishap right at the beginning of puberty. I could feel her pain as she tried to hide her screwed up teeth from her not-so sympathetic friends. The best part for me was when she finally decides to leave those so-called friends that had been making her the butt of their nasty comments since kindergarten, for some good ones, who supported her and helped her re-gain the self-confidence that had been whittled away for so many years. The art is simple, colour glossy, very appealing to the younger set. Recommended for anyone girl going through puberty, about to go through puberty or has gone through it and wants to score one with their kid.
Show Less
LibraryThing member rsteinberg
This book smile is a comic book but when I read it, it felt like a novel. Raina the main character is going home but she falls and knocks 1 of her teeth out and the other front tooth gets pushed up. This leads to all kinds of problems and it takes 4 years to have "normal" teeth. All the way from
Show More
grade 5 to grade 9. I recommend this book to girls mostly and people who like comics. Show Less
LibraryThing member YouthGPL
Kearsten says: Just before her twelfth birthday, Raina falls and knocks out her two front teeth, a traumatic beginning to four-plus years of dental surgery, braces and headgear.
Telgemeier's turned her own true story into an engaging graphic novel for 6th-9th grade readers. Told with humor and
Highly recommended!
Telgemeier's turned her own true story into an engaging graphic novel for 6th-9th grade readers. Told with humor and
Show More
spanning several years, Smile uses the dental drama as a filter through which to explore self-esteem, crushes, and toxic friendships (in fact, those friendships mirrored my bad middle school friends so closely, it was a bit uncomfortable to read, to be honest...).Highly recommended!
Show Less
LibraryThing member julieah
After a freak accident which led to missing teeth, a young girl experiences years of orthodontia and everything that comes with it-surgeries, headgear, and even false teeth. If that was not enough, she also had to go through the reactions that her peers gave her at the same time too, not to mention
Show More
the start of puberty. Telgemeier’s portrayal of the young girls life as she goes through the many obstacles that lead up to high school is vividly portrayed in this graphic novel. This is a perfect edition to any 5-8 grade classroom and will definitely comfort any middle schooler experiencing orthodontia of their own. Show Less
LibraryThing member bplma
i love a graphic memoir! Raina Telgemeier's (graphic artist of The Babysitter's Club fame) memoir of her middleschool years-- memories forever intertwined with braces and other dental issues. Telgemeier clearly remembers what it is like to be in a teenager--family, acne, friends, hormones, boys,
highley recommend
Show More
friends, teeth, appearance, friends, shyness, mean girls, friends-- add in lots of pain and surgery--and in the end, of couse, Raina overcomes it -- as we all do. A perfect choice of a positive "it gets better" story--and we always need more of these! SMILE was a pleasant surprise-- a quiet little graphic memoir about a girl i never heard of before but who i liked and felt for. the story pulled me in and will resonate with girls 11+-- and their mothers.highley recommend
Show Less
LibraryThing member Sakerfalcon
I loved this so much that I have just ordered Telgemeier's adaptation of the first Babysitters' Club book (a series I scorned when younger and never expected to find myself spending money on!) I loved her style of drawing, which is simple yet full of character and frequently made me laugh out loud.
Show More
I am a bit squeamish about tooth injuries (although fine with dentist visits), so did wince quite a lot while reading, but all the same, I couldn't put the book down. It's a lovely portrayal of the self-conscious tween and early teen years, with all the usual traumas of school, family, friends and boys, as well as Raina's unique dental problems. I loved watching her grow up and discover new friends and aspirations for the future. I'm not sure I would have picked this up if it had been a prose novel; the graphic format seems to work so perfectly with the story that I can't imagine it being bettered. Show Less
LibraryThing member samantha0109
This is a true story about a girl who is in grade six and that she tripped and fell down. What happened to her teeth was one came out and the other one went up into her gums! See what happens next by reading this book. By the way, this book is a true story of what happens to Raina Telgemeier.
LibraryThing member ChristineRobinson
This graphic novel follows Raina from 6th grade into middle school after she trips and falls on her face, literally, damaging her teeth beyond repair. From that moment on the reader experiences the same embarrassment, fear, anxiety and sorrow that Raina feels as she experiences bullying and
Show More
self-doubt. Although this book speaks to so many of the serious real life experiences of girls in junior high, Raina Telgemeier manages to depict the main charcter comically enough that the mood remains light, all the while not taking the bullying lightly. The illustrations are a perfect match to the story leaving the reader wanting more from this author. Show Less
LibraryThing member francescadefreitas
So another drawn autobiography, this one based around the author's dental misadventures. This was nice, and I'd give it to people looking for a graphic novel with an engaging female lead. It wasn't outstanding, however. Although, if you grew up in the 70s/80s there are plenty of nostalgia inducing
Show More
details - NKOTB anyone? Show Less
LibraryThing member lilibrarian
In 6th grade, the author fell and damaged her two front teeth. This is the story of her life during the period she had braces, until they were taken off in high school.
LibraryThing member Jourdon
Smile is a contemporary graphic memoir novel written by author Raina Telgemeier. In a period of puberty and Middle School obstacles, main character Raina finds herself in an unsettling situation with her teeth no longer intact. Throughout the novel, Raina must cope with insecurities, peer pressure,
Show More
and lack of self-esteem as she goes through extensive dental procedures. The explicit detailed illustrations are colorful with bold black and white outlines With comical scenes, readers follow Raina through a period of adolescence where she manages teeth, school, friends and boys. Smile is a refreshing and appropriate graphic novel aimed at a younger female audience. Show Less
LibraryThing member mountie9
Jake's Review: Um Mom, this is like a girls book, do I really have to read it. Come on Jake, just try a few pages and tell me what you think. 1 hour later. Mom this is pretty good for a girls book, but I hope I never have to wear braces. It doesn't sound like its much fun and btw girls are gross!
Rating: 7/10 (I know I am surprised he gave it such a high rating)
Mom's Review: I honestly didn't think Jake was going to finish this book, figured he would just read a couple of pages and than give up. Surprised that he read it all and gave me a review on it, I am very proud of him for sticking through it. I absolutely loved this graphic novel, eventhough it brought back many painful memories of my own experience with having braces. This graphic novel is sort of like a cross between a Judy Blume novel and a For Better or Worse comic. The story is written with tons of humour and portrays the awkwardness of being a teen extremely effectively. The story is fast paced, realistic and I think would appeal to the reluctant reader as well as most pre-teen and teen readers. Definately required reading for those who have or have had braces. I think it would be great if all Orthodentists had a copy of this in their offices -- and a few of them REALLY should read it (They might even learn how to be a little more sympathetic with their patients). The underlying message of encouraging us to focus more on what we are on the inside rather than how we look on the outside is very sublty done and not at all preachy.
Rating: 10/10
Show More
The pictures are very funny and I like that she plays video games. I didn't like the drawings of when she broke her teeth because there was too much blood -- ICKY!. I don't think my friends would like this book because they are boys and boys don't like to read girls stuff. Also I think this book is for older kids because they are talking about liking boys and other icky girls stuff. I don't like that her friends made fun of her for having braces. You shouldnt tease people (Mom's note, he said this 1 hour after teasing his 17 mth old brother) its just not nice. I like the authors drawing and the way she told the story, but I would have liked it better if it was about a boy my age. You can bring me more graphic novel though ok -- much more fun to read than books!Rating: 7/10 (I know I am surprised he gave it such a high rating)
Mom's Review: I honestly didn't think Jake was going to finish this book, figured he would just read a couple of pages and than give up. Surprised that he read it all and gave me a review on it, I am very proud of him for sticking through it. I absolutely loved this graphic novel, eventhough it brought back many painful memories of my own experience with having braces. This graphic novel is sort of like a cross between a Judy Blume novel and a For Better or Worse comic. The story is written with tons of humour and portrays the awkwardness of being a teen extremely effectively. The story is fast paced, realistic and I think would appeal to the reluctant reader as well as most pre-teen and teen readers. Definately required reading for those who have or have had braces. I think it would be great if all Orthodentists had a copy of this in their offices -- and a few of them REALLY should read it (They might even learn how to be a little more sympathetic with their patients). The underlying message of encouraging us to focus more on what we are on the inside rather than how we look on the outside is very sublty done and not at all preachy.
Rating: 10/10
Show Less
LibraryThing member savageknight
Having first read the mini comics, it was an absolute blast holding the completed collection in my hands - especially as it was also in color!
Reading about the dental drama that had such a profound effect on Raina was both interesting and entertaining. Although that doesn't sound like the right
I especially appreciated reading about her high-school difficulties because it allowed me to see a glimpse of the "other side" of being a teenager. After all, I know what it's like for a boy to go through high school, but not really a girl. This book actually became somewhat of a reference for me in terms of approaching my 13 year old daughter, Melyssa, about what could be going on in her life.
In terms of pacing, art, story... it was the same greatness I've come to expect from Raina. Her characters shine and all the emotions they express can really be felt.
Raina never fails to impress and entertain and I hope to see new books from her every year. Both my daughter and I eagerly look forward to more!
Reading about the dental drama that had such a profound effect on Raina was both interesting and entertaining. Although that doesn't sound like the right
Show More
word to describe something so painful, the truth of the matter is that watching how she went through the rigors of adolescence with this extra burden -and the highs and lows it brought- was an important look into the life of a very nice person in the making.I especially appreciated reading about her high-school difficulties because it allowed me to see a glimpse of the "other side" of being a teenager. After all, I know what it's like for a boy to go through high school, but not really a girl. This book actually became somewhat of a reference for me in terms of approaching my 13 year old daughter, Melyssa, about what could be going on in her life.
In terms of pacing, art, story... it was the same greatness I've come to expect from Raina. Her characters shine and all the emotions they express can really be felt.
Raina never fails to impress and entertain and I hope to see new books from her every year. Both my daughter and I eagerly look forward to more!
Show Less
LibraryThing member bcowie
On her way home after a Girl Scouts meeting, Raina trips and damages her two front teeth. The graphic novel takes the reader through Raina's multiple dentist and orthodontist appointments. It also gives insight into how Raina feels about the teasing she endures at school over her new braces.
I loved
I loved
Show More
this novel. The story was very realistic and captivating. Raina is a very believable character, as are her friends and her so-called friends. I would recommend this book to any preteen girl. My daughter especially loved it because she has recently gotten braces, and the novel really resonated with her. Show Less
LibraryThing member dogsrock
Smile is a great book! It has good characters. It is based on a true story and is a graphic novel.
Ria is the main character in the story, she isn't feeling good about herself at school because her teeth are messed up. But she gets passed that and she starts liking a boy in her music class. The
Ria is the main character in the story, she isn't feeling good about herself at school because her teeth are messed up. But she gets passed that and she starts liking a boy in her music class. The
Show More
author Raina Telgemeir has made this character Ria have lots of feelings about herself. Ria falls and her front teeth fall out and she has to get braces so she is in lots of pain and afraid what people will say at school. Show Less
LibraryThing member Avery_7
Smile was a very good book. It has characters that are so cool. This book is a Graphic Novel. That's one of the reasons why I like it so much. If you get a chance to read this book, then you should. I hope you will like it.
LibraryThing member braedonsmommy2007
This book is a memoir of Raina as she battles middle school without her teeth. On the way home from school one day she falls and this causes her to lose her teeth. The book follows her through her days with no teeth and through all the procedures that she has to endure to get her teeth fixed. She
I like this book because it is a true story and it's something that most children can relate to in some way.
This can be used in a classroom setting to show children that you can always smile no matter how bad you think things may be. Also, it can be pulled out if you have a student that just got braces and doesn't want to smile because of them.
Show More
has to lear how to face the problems of adolescence and learn how to smile through all the obstacles.I like this book because it is a true story and it's something that most children can relate to in some way.
This can be used in a classroom setting to show children that you can always smile no matter how bad you think things may be. Also, it can be pulled out if you have a student that just got braces and doesn't want to smile because of them.
Show Less
LibraryThing member aakauff
Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novel rendering of her own adolescent-orthodontic experience is a colorful journey through friend drama, crushes, headgear, and other joys of middle school. When a trip and fall after a Girl Scouts meeting leaves Raina without her two front teeth, she must undergo a
Show More
series of awkward dental procedures, all while trying to get a boy to notice her and figure out who her real friends are. While the storyline is simple, the events will seem familiar and relatable to a middle school audience. Moreover, the author’s illustrations are bright and engaging and appropriate to the text. For ages 10-14. Recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member Knicke
Neat book! Graphic autobiographies are big in the adult book world, but are slowly filtering into the kid's/teen market. Nice to see one that covers middle/high school but is still appropriate for tweens (believe me, tweens and older elementary kids want to read about HIGH SCHOOLERS, and they want
Show More
it bad). Captures the crappiness of dealing with middle school, braces etc. (Telgemeier has a worse run of it than many, but everyone gets humiliated by their body around that time)...but art-wise and message-wise, it's not a downer. Makes a good case for self-respect and embracing one's own talents, but doesn't smell like an afterschool special. That explains why it's never on our shelf at the library. Show Less
LibraryThing member MollyWalker
Summary:
Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader but one night she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth. 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. On top of all
Personal Reaction:
This is a very good book for girls going into junior high. These are all real life issues of normal teenagers.
Classroom Extensions:
1. Have the students write about what there life would be like with braces.
2. Have them write about how they would treat there friend if they had braces.
Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader but one night she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth. 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. On top of all
Show More
that, there's s major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly. Personal Reaction:
This is a very good book for girls going into junior high. These are all real life issues of normal teenagers.
Classroom Extensions:
1. Have the students write about what there life would be like with braces.
2. Have them write about how they would treat there friend if they had braces.
Show Less
LibraryThing member ShaneCasebeer
Q: 5
P: 4
Annotation: After sixth grader Raina loses her two front teeth, she has to endure the trials and tribulations of numerous oral surgeries, having a crush on a younger (gasp!) boy, and less than supportive friends.
P: 4
Annotation: After sixth grader Raina loses her two front teeth, she has to endure the trials and tribulations of numerous oral surgeries, having a crush on a younger (gasp!) boy, and less than supportive friends.
Awards
Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (Honor — Nonfiction — 2010)
Young Hoosier Book Award (Nominee — Intermediate — 2014)
Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award (Nominee — 2013)
Kentucky Bluegrass Award (Nominee — Grades 3-5 — 2013)
Eisner Award (Nominee — 2011)
Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — Intermediate — 2013)
Vermont Golden Dome Book Award (Nominee)
Nēnē Award (Nominee — 2016)
Garden State Teen Book Award (Winner — Nonfiction — 2013)
Nevada Young Readers' Award (Nominee — Intermediate — 2014)
Oregon Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — 2013)
Iowa Children's Choice Award (Nominee — 2012)
Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award (Nominee — 2013)
Kids' Book Choice Awards (Finalist — 2011)
Golden Archer Award (Nominee — Intermediate — 2014)
Maine Student Book Award (Winner — 2012)
CCBC Choices (2011)
Children's Favorites Awards (Selection — 2011)
The Best Children's Books of the Year (Nine to Twelve — 2011)
Books From All 50 States (and Washington, D.C.!) (California)
Notable Children's Book (2011)
Great Graphic Novels for Teens (Top Ten — 2011)
OYAN Book Rave (2011)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Kids (Fiction for Older Readers — 2010)
Language
Original publication date
2010
ISBN
0545241820 / 9780545241823