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Cover of Smile

Age rating and parents' guide:Smile

by Raina Telgemeier

Ages 9–14

Smile by Raina Telgemeier is best for children aged 9–14. It has mild violence, a few mildly scary moments, a little romance and no bad language.

After a fall damages her front teeth, Raina navigates years of dental treatment, friendship changes, and adolescence.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
Mild
Scary moments
Mild
Romance
Mild
Bad language
None
Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Graphic novel
  • ★Easy to get into from the first page
  • ★Pictures on almost every page
  • ★Emotionally light
  • ★A good pick for reluctant readers

Great for kids who like

  • Friendship

Reading mood

  • Playful

Good to talk about

  • Friendship

Books like Smile

Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.

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  • Cover of El Deafo

    Ages 9–11

    El Deafo

    by Cece Bell

    Cece turns hearing loss and a powerful hearing aid into the imagined superhero identity El Deafo while seeking true friendship.

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  • Cover of Billionaire Boy

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    Billionaire Boy

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    Lonely billionaire’s son Joe Spud learns that unlimited money cannot buy genuine friendship or solve every family problem.

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  • Cover of The Terrible Two

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    The Terrible Two

    by Mac Barnett & Jory John

    Two pranksters compete against their stern principal, but their elaborate tricks lead to friendship and an unexpected common enemy.

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  • Cover of Measuring Up

    Ages 9–14

    Measuring Up

    by Lily LaMotte

    Cici enters a cooking contest to fund her grandmother’s visit from Taiwan while adjusting to life in Seattle.

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  • Cover of Akbar (Amar Chitra Katha)

    Ages 7–13

    Akbar (Amar Chitra Katha)

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    A child-friendly indian history, historical figures, courts, monuments and objects title for English-language or bilingual family reading.

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is Smile for?
Smile suits children aged 9–14. It is a graphic novel: easy to get into from the first page, pictures on almost every page.
Q: Is Smile appropriate for a 9 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 9–14. It has mild violence, a few mildly scary moments, a little romance and no bad language.
Q: What should my child read after Smile?
Try Roller Girl, El Deafo and Billionaire Boy. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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