TL;DR: If you’ve seen a colorful graphic novel with a girl in braces on your kid’s nightstand (or floor, or backpack), it’s probably Smile by Raina Telgemeier. It is arguably the most important "gateway drug" to reading for the 8-12 age group. It’s a memoir about dental trauma, but it’s actually a masterclass in surviving the "Ohio" years of middle school.
Quick Links to the "Raina-verse":
At its surface, Smile is a true story about the author, Raina, who trips and knocks out her two front teeth right as she’s entering middle school. What follows is years of braces, surgery, headgear, and fake teeth.
But if you think this is just a book about dentistry, you’re missing the point. The teeth are just the catalyst. The real story is about the absolute nightmare that is being 12 years old. It covers the shift from playing with toys to worrying about boys, the realization that your "best friends" might actually be kind of mean to you, and the slow, painful process of finding out who you actually are when you aren't trying to please everyone else.
In a world of Skibidi Toilet and 15-second TikTok loops, Smile is the rare piece of media that actually gets tweens to sit still for an hour. It’s relatable because it doesn’t try to be "cool"—it embraces the cringe.
If you ask a 10-year-old why they’ve read Smile six times, they’ll probably just shrug and say "it’s good." But here’s what’s actually happening:
- The "Me Too" Factor: Middle school is the first time kids feel truly "othered." Whether it’s braces, glasses, or just feeling awkward, Raina’s physical struggle with her teeth is a perfect metaphor for the internal "brokenness" every tween feels.
- Visual Storytelling: Let’s be real—sometimes a wall of text is intimidating. Graphic novels allow kids to process complex emotions (like the sting of a backhanded compliment from a friend) through facial expressions and pacing that a traditional novel can’t always capture.
- Low Stakes, High Emotion: It’s not a fantasy epic. Nobody is saving the world. But to a 6th grader, having your crush see you in headgear is the end of the world. Raina Telgemeier treats these "small" problems with the gravity they deserve.
Check out our guide on why graphic novels are "real" reading
We talk a lot about "brain rot" and the "digital firehose." Smile is the literal opposite of that. It’s high-quality, empathetic storytelling.
More importantly, it’s a conversation starter about toxic friendships. In the book, Raina’s friends tease her about her teeth, ignore her feelings, and generally act like jerks. For a lot of kids, this is their first realization that you don't have to stay friends with people who make you feel bad.
If your kid is reading this, it’s a wide-open door to ask: "Hey, what do you think of Raina's friends? Would you let someone talk to you like that?"
Once a kid finishes Smile, they usually want more. Don't fight it—lean in. Here is the hierarchy of what to hand them next:
If Smile is about friends, Sisters is about the war zone that is the backseat of a car on a family road trip. It explores the bond (and the friction) between Raina and her younger sister, Amara. It’s honest about how much siblings can get on your nerves while still being your "people."
This is the "health" one. It deals with Raina’s anxiety and how it manifests as stomach issues. In 2026, with childhood anxiety at an all-time high, this book is basically therapy in comic form. It’s a great way to normalize talking about mental health without it feeling like a "Very Special Episode."
If the friendship drama in Smile was what hooked your kid, Real Friends is the logical next step. It’s a memoir about the "group" dynamics of elementary school girls and the "BFF" culture that can be so exclusionary.
A fantastic graphic memoir about a girl navigating school with a giant hearing aid (the "Phonic Ear"). Like Smile, it uses a physical difference to explore the universal feeling of wanting to fit in.
Raina Telgemeier actually launched this series (adapting Ann M. Martin’s classics). It’s the gold standard for wholesome, friendship-driven content that isn't boring.
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Recommended Ages: 8-12 (3rd to 7th Grade)
- Content: Very clean. There’s some mild "boy-crazy" talk, a scene involving an earthquake (which might be a tiny bit scary for very sensitive younger kids), and the central dental injury which is a bit "ouch" to look at, but not gory.
- Social Complexity: The book deals with bullying and peer pressure. Raina’s friends are, frankly, the worst. They make fun of her appearance and ditch her. This isn't "bad" content, but it's something your kid might need to process.
- The "Drama" Factor: There is a book by Raina called Drama that features a very mild, age-appropriate crush between two boys. In 2026, this is a non-issue for most, but if you're ultra-conservative, just be aware it's in the same "universe."
Here’s the thing: Smile isn't "educational" in the way a math textbook is, but it’s high-level emotional intelligence training.
1. Don't dismiss the format. If you’re worried your kid isn't reading "real books," stop. Graphic novels like Smile build visual literacy and keep kids engaged with reading during the "middle school slump" where many stop reading for fun entirely.
2. The "Mean Girl" dynamics are real. Raina’s friends in the book aren't villains; they’re just typical, immature middle schoolers. This is a great time to talk about boundaries. You can ask, "Why do you think Raina stays friends with them for so long?" or "What would you do if a friend teased you about your braces?"
3. It’s a bridge to other media. If your kid likes Smile, they might enjoy shows like The Baby-Sitters Club (Netflix) or movies like Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. It’s an entry point into "slice of life" storytelling.
Learn more about the benefits of graphic novels for reluctant readers
Smile by Raina Telgemeier is a 10/10. It’s a modern classic. It’s the book that turns non-readers into readers and makes kids feel a little less alone in their own skin.
If your family is trying to move away from "brain rot" YouTube and toward more intentional media, this is your MVP. It’s funny, it’s cringey, it’s heart-wrenching, and it’s deeply human.
Next Steps:
- Check your local library. They likely have 20 copies, and 19 are probably checked out.
- Read it yourself. It takes about 30 minutes. You’ll remember exactly what it felt like to be 12.
- Talk about the "teeth." Use the physical drama of the book to talk about whatever "teeth" your kid is worried about—their height, their sports ability, or their social standing.
Check out our full list of graphic novel guides for every age