MODULE 13 – Smile a Graphic Novel by Raina Telgemeier

MODULE 13 – Smile a Graphic Novel by Raina Telgemeier

 

 Book Summary

Both heart-warming and funny, this graphic novel memoir relates how Raina Telgemeier deals with the challenges of navigating sixth through tenth grade. From the trauma of severely injuring her front teeth to surviving extreme orthodontia, experiencing earthquakes and first crushes, Raina discovers the true meaning of friendship. This is a story that will inspire any middle-schooler.

APA Reference of Book

Telgemeier, R. (2010). Smile. New York, NY: Graphix/Scholastic.

My Impressions

This is one of the most popular graphic novels at my library and now I can understand why. Everyone can relate to some aspect of this story, even if they haven’t had braces, because the author so accurately portrays the angst of surviving middle school and moving into high school. Also, I lived in the San Francisco area when the 1989 earthquake struck so I could immediately share in her experiences during that truly traumatic event. As a mom, I loved how Raina’s mother reacted after the periodontist - screaming at the top of her lungs because they had really hurt Raina during the cleaning and she passed out. Since this is a graphic novel, I had to pay attention to both the story and the art.  Because it is a memoir, there is some jumping around in time. Telgemeier gives readers ample clues with drawings and color choices to help avoid confusion.  For example, pages are tinted to indicate when Raina is having a dream or a daydream. Telegemeier’s style is simple but very effective. I look forward to reading Sisters and Drama.

What the Professionals Say

Publishers Weekly ~ A charming addition to the body of young adult literature that focuses on the trials and tribulations of the slightly nerdy girl. Telgemeier's autobiographical tale follows her from sixth grade, when her two front teeth are knocked out during a fluke accident, through high school, when, her teeth repaired, she bids good-bye to her childhood dentist. Like heroines stretching from Madeleine L'Engle's Vicky Austin through Judy Blume's Margaret to Mariko and Jillian Tamaki's Skim, Raina must navigate the confusing world of adolescence while keeping her sense of self intact. Many of her experiences are familiar, from unrequited crushes to betrayals by friends to embarrassing fashion choices. The dramatic story of her teeth, however, adds a fresh twist, as does her family's experience during the San Francisco earthquake in 1989. Although the ending is slightly pedantic, Telgemeier thoughtfully depicts her simultaneous feelings of exasperation and love toward her parents, as well as her joy at developing her artistic talent-she's deft at illustrating her characters' emotions in a dynamic, playful style. This book should appeal to tweens looking for a story that reflects their fears and experiences and gives them hope that things get easier. Ages 9-13. (Feb.)

2010, Feb. [Review of the book Smile by R. Telgemeier]. Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-545-13205-3

A Suggestion for Use in a Library Setting

I think a lot of people may not realize that Smile and Sisters are both autobiographical.  I would have a program that examined the books from the fact that they are a memoir.  We would talk about how the book first appeared as a series of web comics and then she was inspired to compile them and make a book. I would give the kids a chance to create their own memoir or autobiographic comic.  We would have pages ready to hand out that had panels and lots of markers, pencils, and crayons so they could do coloring. It would probably be best if they knew about the activity in advance so they could come prepared with one or two things to share. But we would also have prompts -- describe opening a favorite present on your birthday or a holiday; getting a pet; adding a new member to the family; a happy memory or a sad memory; eating your favorite meal; your favorite vacation -- just in case someone comes unprepared. We could also explore the idea of how to create a web comic.