TL;DR
'Smile: A Graphic Novel' by Raina Telgemeier is a memoir that chronicles the author’s middle school years, focusing on her dental treatment journey and social challenges.
What is Smile: A Graphic Novel about
'Smile: A Graphic Novel' is the autobiographical story of Raina Telgemeier, detailing her middle school experiences. The narrative begins with a traumatic accident that damages her two front teeth, setting off a lengthy and painful dental journey. This graphic memoir delves into themes of personal resilience, friendship, and self-acceptance, all illustrated through Telgemeier's engaging and relatable artwork. Alongside her dental struggles, Raina navigates typical adolescent issues such as shifting friendships, first crushes, and the quest for self-identity.
Smile: A Graphic Novel 5 Key Takeaways
Raina's Dental Accident
The story starts with Raina tripping and severely injuring her two front teeth. This event triggers a long, painful journey involving braces, headgear, and surgeries.
Middle School Challenges
While dealing with dental issues, Raina also faces typical middle school challenges, including boy confusion, peer pressure, and unfriendly friends.
Earthquake Episode
A major earthquake adds another layer of stress and complexity to Raina's already tumultuous middle school life.
Changing Friendships
Raina discovers that her friends may not be as supportive as she thought, leading her to reevaluate her relationships and seek out more genuine connections.
Resolution and Acceptance
By the end of the memoir, Raina finds a sense of acceptance and resilience, embracing her unique appearance and finding reasons to smile despite her struggles.
Top Smile: A Graphic Novel Quotes
- "Sometimes you have to accept that things don’t always turn out the way you want them to."
- "It's okay to be different, and it's okay to grow apart from people who don’t make you feel good about yourself."
Who should read Smile: A Graphic Novel?
'Smile: A Graphic Novel' is perfect for middle schoolers, particularly those aged 8-12, who are navigating similar social and personal challenges. It's also a great read for anyone who enjoys heartfelt and humorous graphic memoirs.
Smile: A Graphic Novel Best Reviews
- "Raina Telgemeier's story is a relatable, funny, and heartfelt read. Her honest portrayal of her dental and social struggles makes it a compelling and inspiring graphic memoir." — Publisher's Weekly
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Smile: A Graphic Novel FAQs
Is Smile a 7th grade book?
Yes, 'Smile' is suitable for readers from 5th to 8th grade, making it a great choice for 7th graders.
Is the book Smile based on a true story?
Yes, 'Smile' is based on Raina Telgemeier's real-life experiences with dental treatment and middle school challenges.
What is the main idea of the book Smile?
The main idea of 'Smile' is about resilience and finding reasons to smile through difficult times, illustrated through the author's dental journey and social experiences.