Sassy - Little Sister is NOT my Name!

Sassy - Little Sister is NOT my Name! (2009) by Sharon M. Draper. 102 pages

ISBN-13:978-0-545-07151-8

Being the youngest in the family, Sassy has been called "Little Sister", which drives her crazy. Imaginative Sassy wants to change her world and make life a sparkling adventure. Her Sassy Sack is the envy of other girls in school. Besides being shiny and pretty, it contains what she needs to help when things get tough. Meet Sassy, her friends and family in this charming book, which is the first is a series of four.

Sharon M. Draper has written many books for teens. She has won teaching and writing awards including the Coretta Scot King Award; her books are on ALA and VOYA recommendation lists.

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.