Smile: A Graphic Novel

Examine how Telgemeier uses graphic storytelling to depict Raina’s dental operations. What techniques does she use to describe the procedures and her experiences? In what ways may this approach be more effective for a younger audience than a traditional novel?

How do Raina’s teeth influence her self-esteem? Outline how Raina reacts to the different stages of her treatment and how they influence her daily life. Does the condition of her teeth ultimately determine her happiness?

Analyze how Raina’s parents and dentists tell her complex and upsetting information about her condition. How does Raina react to these explanations? What could these adults do better to build trust with a younger patient like Raina?

Raina attempts to put her issues into a greater context several times in the story by comparing them to the situations of other kids or to the earthquake. Why do these efforts not make her feel better? What are effectives ways to deal with personal trauma?

Raina develops feelings for Sammy and then Sean over the course of the story. Explain what qualities Raina wants in a relationship and how each crush appeals to her. How do her crushes reflect her own anxieties?

Compare Raina’s current dental trauma with the childhood flashback she experiences during her teeth removal surgery. How are the two events similar? Why does Telgemeier include it in the story?

How does Raina’s relationship with her friends deteriorate over the course of the story? Describe what incidents lead Raina to leave the group and how she perceives each of the girls. What role, if any, did Raina’s dental issues have in determining her social status?

Describe the social pressures that the girls in the group face as they grow from children to teenagers. Is Raina mature or immature for her age? What standards of beauty do the girls measure themselves by, and are they realistic?