Smile by Raina Telgemeier

Short Summary

Smile by Raina Telgemeier is a heartfelt graphic novel about growing up, fitting in, and learning to love yourself – braces and all. It follows a young girl through the ups and downs of middle school, from friendship struggles to self-confidence, offering an honest look at resilience and self-acceptance.

Age Group

Suitable for children aged 8 to 12 years.

Topics Discussed

Graphic Novels | Growing Up

Buy a Copy

Buy a copy of Smile by Raina Telgemeier from Amazon.

What this book is about

• Smile tells the story of Raina, a middle-school girl who accidentally loses her two front teeth and has to deal with dental drama, changing friendships, and all the social ups and downs of growing up.
• Through funny and relatable storytelling, it explores themes like friendship, self-esteem, kindness, and learning who your real friends are.
• It highlights how difficult it can be to fit in when you feel different – whether because of braces, appearance, or personality – and shows that those differences can become your strengths.
• The story also covers early crushes and the awkwardness of liking someone, all while keeping it innocent and age-appropriate.
• The graphic novel format makes it engaging and accessible, especially for kids who prefer visual stories over long text.
• It’s a great springboard for conversations about confidence, resilience, and empathy – perfect for parents who want to encourage emotional intelligence in a natural way.
• Smile works well for both girls and boys, as it reflects the universal challenges of growing up, finding your people, and learning to be comfortable in your own skin.
• A lovely, relatable read for tweens, and an excellent way for parents and kids to connect over shared experiences.

I hope you find this book review helpful!

Happy talking!
❤️ Cath