Books › Smile
Smile
214 pages
A warm, funny, and deeply relatable journey through the physical and social growing pains of middle school.
What it feels like
Reading this graphic memoir feels like opening a time capsule from middle school, complete with all the cringeworthy, tender, and triumphant moments of early adolescence. The pacing is brisk and engaging, carried by clean, expressive artwork that perfectly translates the internal panic of a bad haircut or a shifting friend group. It wraps the reader in an empathetic, nostalgic atmosphere where every minor social slight feels like the end of the world, yet is handled with gentle humor and grace. The narrative voice is incredibly earnest and self-deprecating, making it impossible not to root for the protagonist as she navigates toxic friendships and physical insecurities. It is an absolute delight for anyone who has ever felt awkward in their own skin, offering a reassuring reminder that finding your true people makes the growing pains worthwhile.
- Mood
- nostalgic
- empathetic
- lighthearted
- awkward
- Tone
- earnest
- humorous
- relatable
- self-deprecating
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- middle school awkwardness · finding true friends · physical insecurity · self-acceptance
- The writing
- Accessible, conversational dialogue paired with expressive, clean-lined illustrations that perfectly capture the exaggerated emotions of early adolescence.
- The arc
- Moves from the acute anxiety of physical trauma and social alienation to a grounded, confident embrace of one's true self and genuine friendships.
- Who it's for
- Middle-grade readers navigating their own changing bodies and friendships, or anyone looking for a warm, nostalgic trip back to the trials of middle school.
Content notes
- dental trauma
- medical anxiety
- mild bullying
- toxic friendships
About the book
A true story from Raina's early years. One day after girl scouts raina trips and falls damaging her two front teeth. Even after she gets her braces off she isn't treated the same. When she meets a bunch of nerdy kids she realizes they may be her true friends.
Description from Open Library.
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