Smile Series Books in Order

Smile Series by Raina Telgemeier is a series of autobiographical graphic memoirs that became one of the most culturally significant publishing phenomena in the history of children's books — transforming the middle-grade graphic novel from a marginal format into a mainstream staple and demonstrating that authentic emotional storytelling in comics form could reach millions of young readers who had never previously identified as comics fans.

The first volume, Smile (2010), follows Raina through the years of dental work — braces, retainers, surgery — that followed a childhood accident, while simultaneously navigating the social complexity of middle school friendships and the disorientation of puberty. The specific is universal: Raina's particular experiences become a vehicle for every reader's memory of that awkward, uncertain passage.

Subsequent volumes — Sisters, Guts, and Ghosts — continued the autobiographical project while exploring different emotional territories: sibling conflict, anxiety and its physical manifestations, grief and belief. Each stands alone while sharing the warm, honest, emotionally intelligent voice that defines Telgemeier's work.

Begin with Smile — one of the most important children's books of the twenty-first century. Perfect for ages 9–13 and for adults who want to understand why so many young readers love graphic memoirs. Telgemeier changed what middle-grade publishing could be.