Introduction
This guide provides comprehensive information about Smile, the #1 New York Times bestselling and Eisner Award-winning graphic memoir by Raina Telgemeier. It delves into the narrative, author background, critical reception, and technical specifications of this acclaimed work.
Image 1: The front cover of Smile. It features a bright yellow smiley face with prominent dental braces against a light teal background. An Eisner Award winner seal is visible in the upper right corner, and the author's name, Raina Telgemeier, is displayed at the top.
About the Book
Smile is a graphic memoir that chronicles author Raina Telgemeier's personal experiences during her middle school years. The narrative begins when Raina, a sixth-grader, suffers a severe injury to her two front teeth after a fall. The story then follows her extensive and often challenging journey through various dental procedures, including braces, surgery, and headgear.
Beyond the dental challenges, the book explores common adolescent themes such as navigating friendships, dealing with crushes, and coping with everyday life events, including a major earthquake. It offers a relatable portrayal of the emotional and social complexities of growing up, emphasizing resilience and self-acceptance.
Author Information
Raina Telgemeier is a highly acclaimed American cartoonist. A graduate of New York's School of Visual Arts, her work has garnered numerous awards and nominations, including the Eisner Award for Smile. Her illustrations have been featured in various publications, and she is widely recognized for her contributions to children's graphic novels. She currently resides in Queens, New York.
Other notable works by Raina Telgemeier include Drama, Sisters, and Ghosts, all of which explore themes relevant to young readers with her distinctive artistic style.
Critical Acclaim
Smile has received widespread critical praise for its honest and relatable portrayal of adolescence. Reviewers have highlighted its ability to connect with young readers and provide comfort and understanding.
- New York Times Book Review: Described as "The equivalent of a Judy Blume novel: younger readers can turn to it for understanding and comfort. [Smile] hits home partly because there is nothing else out there like it."
- Kirkus Reviews: Praised as "Irresistible, funny and touching - a must read for all teenage girls, whether en-braced or not."
- Publishers Weekly: Noted as "Charming... This book should appeal to tweens looking for a story that reflects their fears and experiences and gives them hope that things get easier."
- Booklist: Stated that "Telgemeier's storytelling and full-color cartoony images form a story that will cheer and inspire any middle-schooler dealing with orthodontia."
- Christian Science Monitor: Suggested that "Teens struggling with issues of appearance and identity-especially if they wear braces-may take comfort in the thought that one day they'll learn, as Raina does, to feel good about themselves, inside and out."
Specifications
| Publisher | Graphix |
| Publication Date | February 1, 2010 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print Length | 224 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0545132061 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0545132060 |
| Item Weight | 2.31 pounds |
| Dimensions | 5.25 x 0.75 x 8 inches |
| Reading Age | 8 - 11 years (customer feedback) |
| Grade Level | 3 - 7 |
| Lexile Measure | GN410L |
Getting Started (Reading Guide)
To begin reading Smile, simply open the book to the first page. The graphic novel format combines illustrations with text to tell the story. Readers should follow the panels from left to right, and top to bottom, as is standard for Western comics. Dialogue is typically contained within speech bubbles, while narration may appear in rectangular boxes.
For optimal enjoyment, find a comfortable and well-lit environment. The story is designed to be engaging for its target audience, and can be read at one's own pace.
Engaging with the Story
Smile offers a rich narrative experience. Readers are encouraged to pay attention to both the visual storytelling and the written dialogue. The illustrations convey emotions, settings, and character actions that complement the text.
- Character Connection: Reflect on Raina's experiences and emotions. How do her challenges resonate with your own?
- Visual Details: Observe the details in the artwork. How do they enhance the story's themes and mood?
- Themes: Consider the overarching themes such as self-image, friendship, resilience, and the challenges of growing up.
Care and Preservation
To ensure the longevity of your copy of Smile, follow these guidelines:
- Storage: Store the book in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the cover and pages.
- Handling: Handle the book with clean hands to avoid transferring oils or dirt to the pages.
- Page Turning: Turn pages carefully from the top or bottom corner to prevent tearing or creasing.
- Protection: Avoid bending the spine excessively, as this can weaken the binding over time.
Common Questions
- Q: Is Smile suitable for all ages?
- A: While the book is primarily aimed at readers aged 8-11 and grades 3-7, its themes of growing up and self-acceptance resonate with a broader audience, including older teens and adults.
- Q: Is this book part of a series?
- A: Yes, Smile is the first book in a series of graphic memoirs by Raina Telgemeier. Other books in this series include Sisters and Guts.
- Q: Is the story based on true events?
- A: Yes, Smile is a graphic memoir, meaning it is based on Raina Telgemeier's own childhood experiences with dental issues and navigating middle school.
Publisher Information
Smile is published by Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic. For inquiries regarding publication rights, distribution, or other official matters, please contact Scholastic directly.
Publisher: Graphix (an imprint of Scholastic)
Website: www.scholastic.com
Further Reading and Resources
For readers who enjoyed Smile, consider exploring other works by Raina Telgemeier or similar graphic novels for young adults. Many libraries and bookstores offer sections dedicated to graphic memoirs and comics for various age groups.
- Other books by Raina Telgemeier: Sisters, Guts, Drama, Ghosts.
- Related Genres: Explore other graphic memoirs or realistic fiction graphic novels.
- Online Resources: Websites like Goodreads or Comic Book Herald offer reviews and recommendations for graphic novels.
