Raina's middle-school years
Start with Smile for the best introduction, or choose the memoir whose concern feels most relevant to the reader.
Reading order
How to Read Smile, Sisters, and Guts
Publication order is Smile, Sisters, then Guts. Scholastic describes all three as long-form graphic memoirs, while calling Sisters a companion to Smile rather than a conventional sequel.
Each book focuses on a different part of Raina's childhood and can stand on its own. Reading in publication order gives the smoothest introduction, but a child especially interested in sibling conflict or anxiety can begin with Sisters or Guts without losing a continuing plot.
Sources: Scholastic's official Smile first-edition excerpt, Scholastic's official guide to the three graphic memoirs.
For parents
What Parents Should Know
Smile includes a painful dental injury, repeated procedures, braces, teasing, friendship problems, and an earthquake. Sisters centers on sibling conflict and family tension, including the children's growing awareness that their parents' marriage is struggling. Guts portrays stomach illness, vomiting, panic attacks, anxiety, embarrassment, and therapy in a reassuring, age-appropriate way. The books are emotionally honest but ultimately supportive and hopeful.
Where to start
Where Should a New Reader Start?
Where the story begins
First Book in the Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1248
Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2010
Smile
A fall leads to dental drama and unexpected challenges for a sixth grader.
224 pages· 8,270 words· Est. 1 hour read
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Raina's sixth-grade year takes a dramatic turn after a fall leaves her with dental woes. Navigating braces, surgery, and awkward headgear, she also faces a major earthquake, boy troubles, and unreliable friends. Can Raina find her way through the chaos and discover what truly matters? Dive into her journey of resilience and self-discovery.
In reading order
Smile Series
3 books · Published 2010–2019
#1
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1248
Smile
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2010
A fall leads to dental drama and unexpected challenges for a sixth grader.
#2
#2 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1248
Sisters
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2014
Sisters on a road trip must navigate family tensions and unexpected challenges.
#3
#3 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1248
Guts
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019
A girl's stomach troubles reveal deeper fears about school and friendships.
Good to know
Common Questions
How many books are in the Smile series?
There are 3 books in the Smile series. It began with Smile in 2010, and the newest book, Guts, was published in 2019.
What order should you read the Smile books in?
Start with Smile and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #3.
What ages are the Smile books best for?
The series is best for ages 8–12, based on the age ranges of the individual books.
Which Smile book is the longest?
Smile (Book #1) is the longest book in the series at 8,270 words (224 pages).
Which Smile book is the shortest?
Sisters (Book #2) is the shortest at 5,068 words (208 pages).
The people
The Creative Behind the Books
The people who bring Smile to life.
Keep exploring
Similar Series
Real Friends
Ages 8–12
Nat Enough
Ages 8–12
The Cool Code
Ages 8–12
Just Roll with It
Ages 8–12
The Fifth Quarter
Ages 8–12
Frankie's World
Ages 8–12
Chunky
Ages 10–13
Curlfriends
Ages 8–12