Lexile Measure: 410 (What's this?)
Library Binding: 224 pages
Publisher: Turtleback; 1 edition (February 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0606140824
ISBN-13: 978-0606140829
Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.8 x 7.6 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (880 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #1,956,856 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #92 in Books > Children's Books > Comics & Graphic Novels > Biographies #443 in Books > Children's Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Difficult Discussions > Abuse #1080 in Books > Children's Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Difficult Discussions > Illness
Age Range: 9 - 12 years
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Smile starts with Raina as a typical pre-teen...until she falls and her two front teeth fall out. She's not only in major pain, but scared, and her trip to the dentist doesn't yield the greatest news; they can put the one tooth they found back in but the other is stuck up in her gums, but she'll have to wear braces. Turns out, there was bone damage, and she endures the braces only to find that her teeth wind up embedded in her gums, leaving her feeling like she's a freak.Her so-called friends don't help, with their perpetual teasing, but Raina adjusts to being a "brace-face" and weathers typical teenage crushes. As she moves on to a new high school, her friends keep on teasing her and playing pranks, until she finally decides she can seek out new friends who accept as she is.It's hard not to wince at some of the tooth trials, but Raina is a trooper as she toughs out numerous orthodontist and endodondist and other "dontist" appointments, all rendered in Telgemeier's wonderful drawing style, which complements her story perfectly.The book ends happily, with a big, toothy smile, and Raina learning that she can find friends who stick by her and don't make fun of her.
I got this book at a Scholastic book fair last month and thought that the comic-book style would be great for my students. I wanted to read the book beforehand and fell in love with the art work and the storyline. It brought back so many memories from my middle school days. Raina is amazing! I've decided to purchase her Babysitters Club books as well!
My 12-year-old daughter is a big (read: BIG) fan of Raina Telgemeier's graphic-novel adaptations of 'The Babysitter's Club' books. I pre-ordered 'Smile' with the anticipation of giving this to her as a gift. The book fell out of the shipping box, and I couldn't help but peruse its pages. It made me recall the days when I was subjected to the torments of wearing braces as a teenager. Upon skimming through the book, it was clear that this graphic novel was special. It beautifully captures that period in a teen's life when social-awkwardness and orthodontic-care collide, causing emotional and physical trauma.Telgemeier is a true talent, and confidently displays a skill with her artistic tools that I haven't seen since the heyday of "For Better or for Worse". In fact, the author credits Lynn Johnston as an influence...It shows.There is a deft power to Telgemeier's narrative -- there are times when it's a little heartbreaking to read -- going to junior-high school can (at times) be hard. The author does not sugarcoat, and creates a satisfying world for her characters to exist in.I can't recommend 'Smile' enough. It's heartfelt and funny and perfect for anyone, whether they wear braces or not.
I've said in another review that last year that I had massive amounts of dental work done. I have had terrible teeth since I was very young, stemming from heredity and lack of dental insurance to pay for regular care. As a result I have had a long, long history of dental trauma.I would have killed for this book at thirteen. As it is, I am 34 and this book made me cry, and made me feel so much better about everything.I got it after my major oral surgery, and read it while I was recovering. I have long been a fan of Raina's art and I had seen some of her Smile story online, and I was so happy to see more. It really is true-to-life, and the fact it takes place in California - where I live - makes it even more relatable. I cried. I giggled, around the gauze in my mouth. And man, does this ever remind me to brush my teeth and look where I'm running.I would give this to any kid dealing with braces, bad teeth, even issues unrelated to teeth, because the whole point is that everyone goes through something as a kid that shakes their confidence, and knowing you're not alone makes it a tiny, tiny bit easier to survive it.
I am a middle school librarian, and books are always going 'missing'. So I was pleased to be able to buy a replacement copy cheaply and in such good condition. My students were happy to see the book back on the shelf.
Our 10 year old daughter saw this book at a school book fair. We came home and purchased it on because they didn't have all of the books that she wanted. I did not read this beforehand and just assumed it was a good book because it was being featured at the school book fair. She read it. She really likes it. I read it...I'm not sure that I would recommend it. First, off you should know in case you don't already...this is an comic style novel. Cute. Second, and the reason that I don't really care for it...it is basically a book outlining her many horrible dentist trips and her kissing daydreams! Not really what I would have chosen. Make sure you do not give this book to a child that has a fear of the dentist that's for sure.
I got this book for my little sister as a gift when she got her braces off! She loved it! And whats more...since its a TRUE story...she felt like she could relate to Raina (the main character) quite often.The drawings are exquisite, and the story line is like that of a comic book that's G-rated.I'd recommend it for young girls 5-9th grade, though, i quite enjoyed it myself being an adult. It's a great little jewel in our library. :)
Awesome book :) this is definitely something that you'll want to buy! A lot of kids around the ages of 9-14 can seriously relate to this book! I'm 12 years old, and I have braces. I found this book really great and I had an awesome time reading it! The art only makes it so much better! In full color, this book is Great, with a capital G!
Smile (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) Lunch Money And Other Poems About School (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Picture Puffin Books) I Took My Frog To The Library (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Picture Puffin Books) Where's Waldo? (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Where's Waldo? (Pb)) Randmcnally Kids' Road Atlas (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Backseat Books) Pokemon Deluxe Essential Handbook (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) May I Please Have A Cookie? (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Scholastic Reader: Level 1) Go, Pete, Go (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Pete the Cat) Where Is Stonehenge? (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) Best Bday Party Ever! A Kid's (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) The Way Cool License Plate Book (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) Charlie Parker Played Be Bop (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) Who Was Louis Armstrong? (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) Pharrell Williams (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Hip-Hop Biographies) Beyonce (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Hip-Hop Biographies) Who Is Elton John? (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Who Was...?) Who Were The Beatles? (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Who Was...?) Who Was Elvis Presley? (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) I Survived The Sinking Of The Titanic, 1912 (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) Buses (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)