First impressions

The simple but clean and impactful cover design is a great representation of Telgemeier’s artwork throughout the novel.

Criticism

I don’t usually read graphic novels. (It’s not that I have anything against them, I just haven’t found too many that really interested me.) Though it was unusual for me to read in this format, I found that the format was what made Smile so great. The artwork did an incredible job of capturing Raina’s journey in a way that was engaging for a younger audience.

(This isn’t really bad, by the way. I just needed something to put here.)

Appreciation

Watching someone literally grow up before your eyes in the pages of a book? Um, yes.

I loved this story and the fact that it was an autobiography only made it that much more interesting. Where was this book when I had to read autobiographies in school? All those good life lessons were subtly embedded into the story, and the graphic novel format made Smile so quick and easy to read.

Raina’s personality really came through the pages by way of both humorous and heartfelt moments. Her growth and development throughout the pages of the book made for a compelling story. Real person or not, Raina was a fun character to read about.

The Last Word

Learning to love one’s self regardless of appearance is a great lesson that all of us at any age and gender should try to remember:

Hey, you! You’re beautiful!    🙂

This was a wonderfully different way to teach life’s lessons. Life can be full of color and Telgemeier’s novel does a great job of showcasing that.

This book made me Smile…