Smile by Raina Telgemeier is the true autobiography of Raina. The story starts off when Raina is 11-years old, in the 6th grade and takes us on a four year journey. While racing home with her friends one day after Girl Scouts, Raina trips and knocks out her front two teeth. This begins the long journey Raina endures to fix her mouth and many other pubescent challenges along the way.
Sixth grade is tough enough, but now that Raina has two missing front teeth, it becomes even harder. This story touches on many middle-school related topics such as family, boys, transitioning from a child to a teenager, earthquakes, and bullying.
Although this story doesn't follow the typical "rising action, climax, resolution" format; there are many highs and lows that take place throughout the entire story. Since this story is the true memoir of Raina, it describes the bumpy road to adolescents rather than just one trial to overcome. The main issue that is touched upon the entire story; however, is Raina's dental troubles. The inciting incident would be when Raina knocks out her two front teeth. The rising action would be when Raina has to wear braces, headgear, and undergo other treatments. The climax would be when Raina enters high school and meets new friends. And finally, the resolution would be when Raina gets her final surgery and is finally able to smile with confidence again.
Other issues that Raina has to overcome throughout the story would be: zits, crushes on boys, friends that bully her, insecurities, and even an earthquake!
This story was extremely enticing and hilarious! I loved the graphics and "comic book" feel this story has. I also loved how the author used sound effects and language that middle schoolers use. Below is a "trailer" for the book:
Sixth grade is tough enough, but now that Raina has two missing front teeth, it becomes even harder. This story touches on many middle-school related topics such as family, boys, transitioning from a child to a teenager, earthquakes, and bullying.
Although this story doesn't follow the typical "rising action, climax, resolution" format; there are many highs and lows that take place throughout the entire story. Since this story is the true memoir of Raina, it describes the bumpy road to adolescents rather than just one trial to overcome. The main issue that is touched upon the entire story; however, is Raina's dental troubles. The inciting incident would be when Raina knocks out her two front teeth. The rising action would be when Raina has to wear braces, headgear, and undergo other treatments. The climax would be when Raina enters high school and meets new friends. And finally, the resolution would be when Raina gets her final surgery and is finally able to smile with confidence again.
Other issues that Raina has to overcome throughout the story would be: zits, crushes on boys, friends that bully her, insecurities, and even an earthquake!
This story was extremely enticing and hilarious! I loved the graphics and "comic book" feel this story has. I also loved how the author used sound effects and language that middle schoolers use. Below is a "trailer" for the book: