Smile by Raina Telgemeier

Book Review

A short overview of this book

Smile by Raina Telgemeier is a great book for tweens that talks about the ups and downs of Middle School.

Graphic novels like this are really important, as it lets tweens know that growing up can be a struggle for others as well. This book touches on peer relationships and the struggle to be normal and to fit in.

A great book for letting tweens know that they aren’t alone!

You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about puberty and growing up

Ideal Age

Ideal for children aged 8 to 12 years.

Buy this book

✅ Buy a copy of Smile by Raina Telgemeier from Amazon.

Video Transcription

A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener

Hey there! I’m Cath Hak from Sex Ed Rescue and Sex Ed Rescues. I wanted to share something cool with you today. I have a website called Sex Ed Rescue where I help parents find better ways to talk to their kids about love, sex, relationships, and growing up. And guess what? I also have a YouTube channel where I share videos, mainly book reviews.

So, let’s talk about this awesome book called Smile by Raina Telgemeier. It’s a graphic novel, kind of like those comics we used to read when we were kids. Remember those? Nowadays, they come in book form, which I find super convenient. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have as much time to read these days. These books are quick and easy to read, and kids seem to love them too. They have a mix of visuals and words, which makes them even more engaging.

Now, what I really love about these books is that they tackle the tough stuff that comes with growing up. In Smile, the main character is a girl who’s starting middle school and trying to fit in. She has a little accident and loses her two front teeth, which makes her feel like an outcast. The book also explores her friendships, some of which aren’t very nice or respectful, and her experiences with liking someone.

It covers all the things kids go through in school – learning, what makes a good friend, standing up for yourself – you name it. It’s all about resilience, finding inner strength, and building self-esteem. That’s why I think books like this are so important. They normalize these experiences and make kids feel like they’re not alone.

I’ve been reading Smile with my ten-year-old son, and it’s sparked some great conversations between us. We’ve talked about how people might look different because of their skin color or disabilities, and how we should treat them with kindness and respect. We’ve also discussed embracing our own differences and building self-confidence. Diversity is totally okay, and this book helps drive that point home.

As a parent, reading this book with my son has given us a chance to talk about what’s happening at school for him. We’ve touched on topics like forming cliques and feeling left out, which seem to be happening at a younger age these days. Although the main character in the book is a girl, there are plenty of male characters too, so it’s relatable for my son as well.

These kinds of books are fantastic because they open the door to having important conversations. When your child knows you’re already talking about these things, they’re more likely to come to you if they’re facing any problems at school. It’s all about using books to start those better conversations.

Alright, I hope you found this helpful! I better wrap up before my dog starts barking again. She’s been quite the distraction today. Take care and happy reading! Cheers!

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