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Screenwise Verdict
This is one of those rare books that kids actually want to read while parents feel good about handing it over. Telgemeier nails the specific hell of middle school—when your body betrays you, your friends turn on you, and you're just trying to make it through the day without crying in the bathroom.
The dental trauma is real but not gratuitous, and the friendship drama will feel painfully familiar to anyone who's survived sixth grade. What makes it work is that Raina doesn't emerge perfect or fully healed—she just learns to advocate for herself and recognize that some friends aren't worth keeping.
If your kid is dealing with braces, body image issues, or toxic friendships, this book is basically required reading. If they have serious dental anxiety, maybe preview it first. Otherwise, this is a solid, empathetic, genuinely helpful book that also happens to be entertaining.
Age Fit
Perfect for ages 8-13, right in the thick of navigating friendships, body changes, and middle school social dynamics. Younger kids might not connect with the social nuances, and high schoolers will have aged out of the target audience.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
82
Telgemeier's graphic memoir handles middle school struggles with authenticity and empathy. The book tackles dental trauma, friendship betrayal, and self-acceptance without sugarcoating the pain, but models resilience and self-advocacy. Parent reviews on Common Sense Media highlight its relatable approach to braces, bullying, and body image. The tone is age-appropriate for the target audience (middle grade readers), showing both the messiness of growing up and the path through it.
Imaginative
68
As a memoir, this is rooted in real events rather than imaginative world-building. The graphic novel format adds visual storytelling that's engaging and accessible, but it's not asking readers to build, explore, or create. It's more about seeing yourself reflected in someone else's true story. The illustrations are charming and expressive, but this isn't a book that sparks creative play or invention—it's about recognition and validation.
Safe
88
Very safe for the target middle grade audience. The dental injury is described but not graphically depicted in a traumatic way. The book addresses friendship drama, bullying, and earthquake anxiety—all real childhood experiences handled with care. Some conservative Christian reviews flag 'mature topics,' but these appear to be standard middle school issues (crushes, peer pressure) rather than inappropriate content. No violence, sexual content, or shocking material. The only caveat is that kids dealing with dental anxiety might find the subject matter triggering.
Enriching
85
This is a masterclass in navigating middle school social dynamics and bodily autonomy. Readers learn about recognizing toxic friendships, advocating for yourself in medical situations, and accepting imperfection. The earthquake subplot adds California-specific context. Reviews consistently note how the book helps kids feel less alone in their own struggles with appearance, friendship, and growing up. It builds empathy and emotional vocabulary while being genuinely entertaining. Amazon rating of 4.7 and #1 NYT bestseller status confirm broad appeal.
Parent Info
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Why It Might Be Great
Validates the very real pain of dental trauma, body image issues, and friendship betrayal without being preachy
Graphic novel format makes it accessible for reluctant readers while delivering emotional depth
Models self-advocacy—Raina learns to speak up about her dental care and recognize toxic friendships
Eisner Award winner and #1 NYT bestseller that resonates across generations of middle schoolers
Helps kids feel less alone in their own 'weird body' or friendship struggles
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What to Watch For
The dental injury and subsequent procedures might be anxiety-inducing for kids with dental fears
Friendship betrayal is handled realistically, which means it stings—good for processing but potentially upsetting
Some conservative reviews flag 'mature topics' (crushes, peer pressure), though these are standard middle school experiences
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever had a friend who made you feel bad about yourself? How did you handle it?"
"Raina had to go through a lot of dental work she didn't want. When have you had to do something hard that was for your own good?"
"Why do you think Raina's 'friends' treated her differently after her accident?"
"What would you do if your friend group started leaving you out or being mean?"
