Monday, February 22, 2010

Smile by Raina Telgemeier


It was a happy day last week when this new graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier arrived in my library delivery. I read several glowing reviews and this little post here will be another.
Smile is an autobiographical story. 11 year-old Raina takes a spill during a fun game of chase with her friends and causes serious damage to her front teeth. The story follows her for the next 6 years as she deals with her teeth, school (middle/high school), friends, crushes, and her own self confidence. At one point in middle school she has to wear a retainer with false front teeth. I would have died. DIED.

This is such a charming story. A truly perfect middle school addition for realistic GN. It's a little dated (gasp! historical?!) since it is autobiographical, but hey, Mario Bros is a huge hit in my house and Little Mermaid worship has never ceased. So late 80s-early 90s references appear, but not overwhelming. There is one spread where we see Cover Girl NailSlics, Teen Spirit deodorant, Noxema, an EPILADY, and ex'cla-ma'tion perfume. It only lacked a Kaboodle makeup organizer and it was pretty much my exact middle school experience.

Raina's story, with the exception of the dental drama, is an every-girl story. She's not into clothes and makeup. She's still a Girl Scout and acknowledges she's not as "mature" as her other friends. She likes video games and plays the flute. She has great, loving parents. I cannot imagine a middle school (and even high school) not having this in their collection. If your students like her Baby-Sitter's Club GNs, this is a perfect next step up. (And in one spread, young Raina is reading BSC along w/ Calvin & Hobbes and For Better or For Worse.) This will be on my best of list for 2010.

6 comments:

Jenn H. said...

Oh, yeah. I read this one and forgot to blog it. You are so right! It is pretty awesome.

Patti said...

This does sound fabulous. And totally traumatic, as someone who has had her fair share of dental issues...braces forever(headgear anyone?) and jaw surgery. I wonder how bad those false teeth were. Stuck onto a retainer they couldn't have been good. Ug. I'm going to have to pick this one up.

joanna said...

Yikes! Well, there are lots of trips to all kinds of dentists. On top of all the drama already in place for that age! I saw a lot of myself in this story.

Kelly said...

You sold me. I just put this one on hold at the library.

joanna said...

I hope you enjoy it!

Savanna said...

I did actually see a kaboodles im not kidding! :)