Reviews

"Telgemeier has created an utterly charming graphic memoir of tooth trauma, first crushes and fickle friends, sweetly reminiscent of Judy Blume's work...Young girls will relate to her story, and her friend-angst is palpable. Readers should not overlook this seemingly simply drawn work; the strong writing and emotionally expressive characters add an unexpected layer of depth. As an afterword, the author includes a photo of her smiling, showing off the results of all of the years of pain she endured. Irresistible, funny and touching – a must read for all teenage girls, whether en-braced or not."
— KIRKUS Reviews

"A charming addition to the body of young adult literature that focuses on the trials and tribulations of the slightly nerdy girl... Like heroines stretching from Madeleine L'Engle's Vicky Austin through Judy Blume's Margaret to Mariko and Jillian Tamaki's Skim, Raina must navigate the confusing world of adolescence while keeping her sense of self intact. Many of her experiences are familiar, from unrequited crushes to betrayals by friends to embarrassing fashion choices. The dramatic story of her teeth, however, adds a fresh twist, as does her family's experience during the San Francisco earthquake in 1989...Telgemeier [is] deft at illustrating her characters' emotions in a dynamic, playful style. This book should appeal to tweens looking for a story that reflects their fears and experiences and gives them hope that things get easier."
— Publishers Weekly

"Telgemeier's storytelling and full-color cartoony images form a story that will cheer and inspire any middle-schooler dealing with orthodontia."
— Booklist

"Telgemeier's book is an excellent addition to middle school literature."
— School Library Journal

"Raina's skill as a cartoonist takes the reader back to the real and serious years of adjustment through adolescence. She shares her ordeal with orthodontics, appearance, ridicule and pain with warmth, dignity and insightful humor. This book belongs in every school and on every family bookshelf. You don't need to have had braces to appreciate the message in this graphic novel. I so enjoyed reading it, I couldn't put it down."
— Lynn Johnston, creator of For Better or For Worse

"I've been writing about teen girls for 25 years and have never come close to what Raina has so magically captured in her funny, sad, inspiring and touching story. I guess I should have had more dental work."
— Greg Evans, creator of Luann

"Smile...does not disappoint. Raina perfectly captures the small, everyday surprises, dramas, and embarrassments that make up adolescence. Smile is a joy to read."
— Gene Yang, author of American Born Chinese

"With her light touch and inspired cartooning, Raina Telgemeier is my personal comics hero. Smile is sure to be a classic."
— Hope Larson, author of Chiggers, Gray Horses, Mercury