Smile

Raina Telgemeier's graphic memoir Smile (Il Castoro, 2014–present) chronicles the author's own middle-school years after a severe dental accident upends her life. Published as a single volume, this warm and candid story captures the universal awkwardness of adolescence—friendships, braces, and self-discovery—through Telgemeier's expressive, cartoon-like art. A landmark work in the rise of autobiographical comics for young readers, it remains a beloved touchstone for its honest, relatable portrayal of growing up.