Yes, No, Maybe So:
Stars: 4.9
Age Level: Grades and up (I recommend grades 6-8 especially)
Smile is a graphic novel. Before you start groaning and whining about how terribly corny anime is (that's what I do), let it be heard that this is not a typical graphic novel, and certainly not anime! This is what the inside looks like, and there actually is a decent amount of writing.
So it's a step up from anime.
Now onto the plot. This actually is a fantastic, heartwarming book. It is about a girl who loses her front teeth to an accident, and has to undergo years of painful dental work to get back her ideal smile. On the way she grows up and realizes what makes a friendship real, and how you can tell whether someone is ACTUALLY a good friend. She also learns what it means to hurt someone that cares about you.
Not to mention that this book is extremely empowering. The nerdy protagonist finally musters up the courage to ditch the people who she considers "friends" though they treat her terribly. READ IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) (:
