Book Review by Aarene Storms: Smile by Raina Telgemeier

Smile by Raina Telgemeier

Raina just wants to be a normal 6th grader, but when an accidental fall knocks out and damages her two front teeth, she begins a long journey of being a "brace-face". Add that onto normal middle school life (boyfriend confusion, friend confusion, life confusion ...) and the reader joins Raina on a bumpy journey through adolescence.

No sex, no explosions, no car chases, no gore, but there is some sadness and lots of changes to cope with, sometimes gracefully but mostly not.

This author excels at telling gentle stories in graphic novel format that teens can relate to--with, or without braces. Here's another good one of those.

Recommended for ages 10 and up.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true.  --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian

Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS