Comments on: Smile

By: R. Gilmore

R. Gilmore — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 16:25:36 +0000

Wonderful Book for the Brace-face in Everyone My 12-year-old daughter is a big (read: BIG) fan of Raina Telgemeier’s graphic-novel adaptations of ‘The Babysitter’s Club’ books. I pre-ordered ‘Smile’ with the anticipation of giving this to her as a gift. The book fell out of the shipping box, and I couldn’t help but peruse its pages. It made me recall the days when I was subjected to the torments of wearing braces as a teenager. Upon skimming through the book, it was clear that this graphic novel was special. It beautifully captures that period in a teen’s life when social-awkwardness and orthodontic-care collide, causing emotional and physical trauma.Telgemeier is a true talent, and confidently displays a skill with her artistic tools that I haven’t seen since the heyday of “For Better or for Worse”. In fact, the author credits Lynn Johnston as an influence…It shows.There is a deft power to Telgemeier’s narrative — there are times when it’s a little heartbreaking to read — going to junior-high school can (at times) be hard. The author does not sugarcoat, and creates a satisfying world for her characters to exist in.I can’t recommend ‘Smile’ enough. It’s heartfelt and funny and perfect for anyone, whether they wear braces or not.

By: Penny for your Thought "TF"

Penny for your Thought "TF" — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 15:58:54 +0000

Absolutely Awesome!!! I got this book at a Scholastic book fair last month and thought that the comic-book style would be great for my students. I wanted to read the book beforehand and fell in love with the art work and the storyline. It brought back so many memories from my middle school days. Raina is amazing! I've decided to purchase her Babysitters Club books as well!

By: Rachel Kramer Bussel "Cupcakes Take the Cake ...

Rachel Kramer Bussel "Cupcakes Take the Cake ... — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 15:54:26 +0000

Braces, Mean Girls, Crushes and Real-Life Teen Drama Smile starts with Raina as a typical pre-teen…until she falls and her two front teeth fall out. She’s not only in major pain, but scared, and her trip to the dentist doesn’t yield the greatest news; they can put the one tooth they found back in but the other is stuck up in her gums, but she’ll have to wear braces. Turns out, there was bone damage, and she endures the braces only to find that her teeth wind up embedded in her gums, leaving her feeling like she’s a freak.Her so-called friends don’t help, with their perpetual teasing, but Raina adjusts to being a “brace-face” and weathers typical teenage crushes. As she moves on to a new high school, her friends keep on teasing her and playing pranks, until she finally decides she can seek out new friends who accept as she is.It’s hard not to wince at some of the tooth trials, but Raina is a trooper as she toughs out numerous orthodontist and endodondist and other “dontist” appointments, all rendered in Telgemeier’s wonderful drawing style, which complements her story perfectly.The book ends happily, with a big, toothy smile, and Raina learning that she can find friends who stick by her and don’t make fun of her.