Graphic novel for tweens by Raina Telgemeier. Scholastic/Graphix: New York, 2010.
A fall on her way home leads to sixth grader Raina knocking out her two front teeth. This begins a tale of dental drama that lasts throughout middle and into high school. She endures pain and embarrassment as she goes through various types of treatment including braces, root canals, dentures, and a tortuous deep cleaning of her gums. Meanwhile, Raina also deals with the drama of being an adolescent–navigating friendships, school work, and crushes. Themes of the book include the quest for perfect teeth, inner vs. outer beauty, dental pain, and resilience. Middle-school girls will likely relate to this autobiographical story. Winner of the 2011 Will Eisner Award for Best Publication for a Teen Audience.