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Smile Read Alikes

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Smile is a fun coming of age graphic novel that many readers have grown to love. It tells the story of the author's life and experiences while she was in middle school. Raina went through many of the same experiences that other 6th graders go through along with some unique ones as well. If you loved Smile here are some other fun graphic novels that you will also enjoy!
 
Written by Megan Wagner Lloyd
Illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter
New York, NY: Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic, 2023. Comics. 243 pages.

Avery is part of a big family which means that being at home can be a bit chaotic. She is tired of always feeling squished and wants her own room to be able to have a space all her own. Avery comes up with a plan to be able to make this dream happen! The family dynamics explored in this comic are very similar to Raina's relationship with her siblings and parents in Smile.

Written by Christina Soontornvat
Illustrated by Joanna Cacao
New York, NY: Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic, 2022. Comics. 255 pages.

Similarly to Smile, this comic is a memoir about the author, Christina, and her middle school experiences. Christina and her friend Megan decide that they would like to tryout for the cheerleading team. They work super hard at tryouts and end up performing for the entire school at the end, all to try to earn a spot on the team.
Written by Claribel A. Ortega
Illustrated by Rose Bousamra
New York: First Second Books, 2022. Comic. 212 pages.

Frizzy is another wonderful coming-of-age book about a girl named Marlene that goes on a journey to learn how to love her curls. Her mother always takes her to get her hair straightened so she can fit in better. But with the help of her Tía Ruby, she learns how to take care of her curls and that her curls are something to be proud of, all while navigating the difficult years of growing up!

By Johnnie Christmas
New York, NY: Harper Alley, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2022. Comics. 245 pages.

This is Bree's first year at a new school. When she gets to school she realizes that the only elective that fits with her schedule is a swimming class, which makes Bree really anxious because she doesn't know how to swim. But, with the help of a kind neighbor in her apartment complex she learns how to swim and ends up joining the swim team.

By Kat Fajardo
New York, NY: Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic, 2022. Comics. 234 pages.

Sue's family decides that for their summer break they are going to go to Honduras to visit their relatives. Sue is less than excited to spend her summer away from friends, texting, and internet. The summer gets even worse when Sue's mom tells her that they will be throwing a quinceanera for Sue, which she does not want. With Sue struggling to hold on to her identity while still incorporating her family traditions, it has a similar feel to Smile.
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