Drama, Smile, Sisters
Written By: Raina Telgemeir
Published: 2012, 2009, 2014
As you will be able to see, I went a bit crazy on the graphic novels this week! Raina Telgemeir has been on my list of to-read books for quite sometime, and when I received the boxed set of Smile and Sisters in the mail this week, I couldn't have been more excited. They are both memoirs of her childhood, which were so relatable and realistic, it's no wonder that every girl between the ages of 9-12 have been recommending them to me. Raina is hilarious. She is awkward and spunky and just an average tween girl going through her awkward phase. In Smile, she is coping with an orthodontia nightmare. She not only has to get braces, but also has to wear dentures for a brief period of time after knocking out her two front teeth. Poor Raina has to deal with more than her fair share of bullying and anxiety over her appearance, but in the end, she realizes that everything is going to be okay and middle school drama isn't the end of the world. Sisters is the next book in the series and it is about her relationship with her little sister (surprise, surprise!). Again, this is a situation than just about anybody can relate to. Drama, the first book I read, was interesting, as it is a fictional story unlike the other two. It is definitely a middle school read due to the drama and certain plot points that may be a bit too mature for elementary school children, but it sure was enjoyable!
Telgemeir's illustrations are bright, colorful, and inviting. However, they aren't sugarcoated. Her character are so expressive, which makes for a powerful read. For example, in Smile, when Raina's friends are teasing her about having to wear fake teeth, the reader can see that she is blushing and has tears in her eyes. The illustrations are what makes all three of these books so darn relatable. As a girl, there are some feelings you just can't express, but everybody feels them. Readers may not relate to the way the author tries to describe them, but when they are described and shown through detailed pictures, by George you get it. Each of these books are set in middle school and discuss how it feels to grow up. Any of the classes or sessions kids have to sit through about the changes they are going to be experiencing at this point in their lives do not even begin to breach the subject of the social turmoil that is going to occur. Middle school is brutal for anybody, but girls have a particularly hard time due to the petty drama and emotional drama that they will endure.
These books are a miracle. Honestly, Smile should be required reading for all fifth grade girls the summer before they go to middle school. Out of the three, Smile accurately depicts the cause and effect of petty middle school bullying, which everybody needs to see. This book teaching understanding, compassion, and kindness to all of its readers. Five stars for all three books!!
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