Smile

by Raina Telgemeier, 213 pages

In sixth grade, Raina trips, falls and loses her two front teeth. Already slated for braces, the accident sets off years of dental work which affects how Raina perceives herself as she navigates the choppy waters of adolescence (and high school!)

Although Raina's dental work takes center stage throughout the graphic novel, it's really not what "Smile" is all about. It's more about the anticipation, the frustration and the joy of being a teenager. I think the book's strongest message is that it's okay to break away from people you used to call friends and find new ones. Raina's "friends" were making her life miserable and she has the gumption to tell them that treating her that way was unacceptable.

Once she does that, she begins a process of self-discovery that will leave you cheering. For those of us who grew up in the 90s (like Raina) you'll find the subtle references throughout the illustrations very nostalgic.

* 2011 YALSA Top Ten Graphic Novel for Teens