Smile by Raina Telgemeier

Smile is a middle grade graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier, based on her own life. It tells the story of Raina, who fell outside of her house after a girl scout meeting and knocked her two front teeth out. Over the next several years, Raina goes through lots of dental work. She also finishes middle school and starts high school. Along the way, Raina learns what it means to have true friends and how to love herself.

Sex: None. A group plays spin the bottle at a party but Raina refuses to participate. Also, the boys at school pop bra straps when the girls start wearing them.

Language: None.

Drug/Alcohol Use: None.

Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Raina encounters some bullying from her so-called "friends."

Final Note: This was a lovely graphic novel about what it's like to go through that awkward stage in middle school, especially when wearing braces. It touches on real issues when dealing with classmates.

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What is The Rapid Reader?

Hello fellow parents and friends! My name is Danielle. I had the idea for this blog a couple of years ago when I was working in my son's school library. It was a known fact that I was an avid reader of middle school and young adult literature and several parents would ask me about books before checking them out for their kids. (Or buying them at the book fair!) Because I read so much, I've never worried too much about what my kids might be reading. My oldest is only eight years old and anything he's read, I've read already! But what about parents who don't necessarily enjoy reading or have the time? I wanted to offer a resource that gave these parents the chance to make educated decisions about books their kids are reading. That's how this blog was born! Before we go any further, I want to point out that I am strongly opposed to book banning. I believe in freedom of speech and expression of art through literature. But I also feel strongly that kids should ...

The Rapid Reader

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