Author/Illustrator: Raina Telgemeier
Publisher: Scholastic Graphix
Grade levels: 4-5, 6-8
Genre: Biography/Autobiography
Special Attractions: Female Lead Characters, Teen Lead Characters, Social Issues
Synopsis: Family, Friends, Boys . . . Dental Drama?! Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth. What follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there’s still more: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly. (from the publisher’s site)
Graphic Classroom review (includes lesson ideas)
Departing the Text teaching guide
Awards:
WINNER: Eisner Award for Best Publication for a Teen Audience, 2011
WINNER: Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award, 2012
WINNER: Maine Student Book Award, 2012
FINALIST: Children’s Choice Book Award, 2011
ALA Notable Children’s Book, 2011
HONOR BOOK: Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards, 2010
Kirkus Best Book of 2010
New York Times Editors’ Choice, 2010