Smile Reading Comprehension Questions
by Raina Telgemeier
Book Summary
Smile is a graphic novel memoir by Raina Telgemeier, recounting her real-life dental drama from sixth grade through high school. After a severe accident that damages her two front teeth, Raina embarks on a long and often embarrassing journey involving multiple dentists, orthodontists, braces, headgear, and surgeries. The story explores themes of self-consciousness, changing friendships, first crushes, and ultimately, finding self-acceptance and confidence.
Reading Comprehension Questions
Use these 14 questions to check understanding and spark deeper thinking about Smile.
1.What happened to Raina's two front teeth when she fell?
2.Who was the first dentist Raina saw after her accident?
3.What did Raina have to wear at night to help fix her teeth?
4.Why do you think Raina felt self-conscious about her braces and headgear?
5.How did Raina's feelings about her friends change throughout her dental journey?
6.What can you infer about Raina's personality based on her going through so many dental procedures?
7.What is one important lesson Raina learns about true friendship in the story?
8.What is the main message the book "Smile" teaches about self-acceptance?
9.How can you tell that Raina gained more confidence by the end of the story?
10.What does the word "accident" mean in the story?
11.If Raina felt "self-conscious," how was she probably feeling?
12.What is an "orthodontist" mainly responsible for doing?
13.If you were Raina, what would be the hardest part about having so much dental work done?
14.How do you think Raina's experience with her teeth might help her understand others who are going through difficult times?
Key Vocabulary
Important words from Smile to discuss with your child.
Discussion Prompts
Great conversation starters for parents and teachers reading Smile with children.
What was your favorite part of Smile? Why did it stand out to you?
If you could talk to any character from Smile, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
How did Smile make you feel? Can you describe a moment that surprised you?
Would you recommend Smile to a friend? What would you tell them about it?
What lesson or message do you think Raina Telgemeier wanted young readers to learn from this story?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What reading level is Smile?
Smile by Raina Telgemeier is recommended for grades 1-3 readers with an AR level of 3.2. It's an excellent choice for building reading comprehension skills at this level.
What are good comprehension questions for Smile?
ReadBuddy provides 14 carefully crafted comprehension questions for Smile, covering literal comprehension, vocabulary, and inference skills. These questions help students engage deeply with the story.
How can I use Smile for reading practice?
Read the book together or independently, then use ReadBuddy's comprehension questions to check understanding. Focus on vocabulary words, discuss character motivations, and encourage your child to make connections to their own experiences.
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