Rediscovering "Smile" by Raina Telgemeier




Sometimes I find myself reflecting on the books that shaped my childhood, and there are a few that stand out, one of them is "Smile" by Raina Telgemeier. I remember reading it back in elementary school and being so interested by the story, so I decided to reread it! So yeah, now let me tell you about it!


So basically, "Smile" is an autobiographical story about Raina, a young girl navigating the ups and downs of middle school while dealing with the challenges of growing up and a complicated relationship with her smile— literally! After a dental accident in sixth grade leaves her with her two front teeth gone, Raina takes off on a journey of dental braces, awkward teenage moments, and the journey of self-acceptance. I feel like the way Raina portrays her experiences resonates with so many of us at this age, since we all have those moments where we feel out of place or insecure.


One of the most relatable parts of "Smile" is its honest depiction of friendship. Raina's interactions with her friends showcase the hardships that come with growing up, including misunderstandings, cliques, and the pressure to fit in. The graphic novel also shows how friendships can evolve over time, reminding readers that it's okay to outgrow certain relationships as we discover who we truly are. This theme is particularly relevant in middle and high school, where social dynamics can change. This relevance makes the story more understandable and relatable.


Also, the illustrations in the novel really make it so much more captivating, bringing the characters and their emotions to life. Telgemeier’s art style captures everything from Raina's nervousness before a dental appointment to the joy of hanging out with friends. It's hard not to smile while reading—pun intended! 


Another big theme in "Smile" is the importance of resilience. Raina faces many challenges throughout the book, from dental struggles to the challenges that come with growing up. Yet, she continues to push through, learning to embrace her imperfections and find strength in her experiences. This message resonates with anyone who has faced their own hurdles, reminding us that it's our unique journeys that shape who we are.


In a world that often feels overwhelming, "Smile" serves as a gentle reminder of the power of laughter and the importance of self-acceptance.


Anyways, in conclusion I believe that "Smile" is more than just a story about braces; it's about embracing who we are and finding joy in the journey of growing up. So yeah, I hope you enjoyed reading this post! 😃


- Jiya Borgaonkar 

Comments

  1. JehanSeptember 15, 2025 at 10:55 AM

    I read this back in elementary school! I like how you explain the book on a deeper level and the way you describe it. Nice post!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. MarinaSeptember 15, 2025 at 10:59 AM

    I read this book when I was younger and I completely forgot about it! It's so interesting to go back and find the more detailed meanings that I missed when I was younger. Great post that was a total blast from the past!

    ReplyDelete
  3. ArshiaSeptember 15, 2025 at 11:59 AM

    I used to love this book! Great blog post, the way you analyzed this book is really in depth!

    ReplyDelete

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