Smile

Smile (2010) by Raina Telgemeir. New York: Scholastic. 204 pages

ISBN: 978-0-545-24182-3

Graphic Novel, Humor, Autobiography

This autobiographical tale follows Raina from 6th to 9th grade, experiencing the confusions of puberty. After a Girl Scout meeting, she trips and falls; knocking out her two front teeth. Already anxious about getting braces, Raina has to visit the dentist and endodontist. This is just the beginning of the many dental trips, including the orthodontists and periodontists.

She anguishes about dental pain, dealing with retainers and headgear, and what her classmates will think. Raina deals with crushes on boys and her snarky friends, who not always nice.

An earthquake brings an unexpected experience with her family.

The story is engaging and expressive, providing a glimpse into a tween's view of life, dealing with friends and multiple trips to dental professionals. Raina grows through the story, coming to realize and appreciate her artistic abilities and gaining confidence in herself.

The story is enhanced by the illustrations, which are formatted in comic strip form with candid and expressive drawings. Especially fun for San Francisco residents who are familiar with the public schools Raina attends. Appealing to kids 9 to 12, especially girls.

Raina Telgemeir's website.

Love That Dog

Love That Dog, A Novel (2001)by Sharon Creech.
New York: Joanna Cotler Books. 86 pages

ISBN 0-06-029287-3

Fiction

Verse, poetry.
This story is written in verse and told from the first person point of view by Jack, a boy in a class where poetry is being taught. The story is presented as entries in a journal, with dialogue directed at his teacher, Miss Stretchberry. Jack moves from being a reluctant poet, lacking confidence about his own work to finding his voice, developing confidence and writing in different poetic styles. Appropriate for ages 8 to 12.