Few authors have made as big of an impression on middle-grade readers over the past 15 years as the #1 New York Times best-selling author Raina Telgemeier. Her heartfelt and hilarious graphic novels have turned countless students into lifelong readers.
Telgemeier’s wonderful stories are full of relatable characters that explore poignant coming-of-age themes which speak directly to young readers, such as crushes, friendships, family, self-esteem, and almost all the other travails of growing up.
The books in Telgemeier’s collection aren’t just wildly popular, they’re full of powerful storytelling centered on the lived experiences of kids, making them ideal for fostering empathy and sparking discussion, while also improving reading skills and building vocabulary.
In Smile, a charming graphic memoir, Raina trips and severely injures 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 to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly.
Fans of the original Baby-sitters Club books will love reading Telgemeier’s adaptations of the beloved series. Using her signature style, Telgemeier brings the stories to life perfectly capturing the drama and humor of the originals. A great place to start is with book #1: Kristy’s Great Idea.
If you’re looking to bring a graphic novel study into your classroom, Telgemeier's latest book, The Cartoonists Club, can be taught using this free activity guide. In the book, four budding cartoonist friends come together to form the eponymous club, where kids can learn about making comics and use their creativity and imagination for their own storytelling adventures!
Shop the best of Raina Telgemier books below! You can find all books and activities at The Teacher Store.