Graphic Novel Alternatives & Read-Alikes
6 Best Books Like Smile for Middle Grade Readers
If your child has read 'Smile' by Raina Telgemeier so many times the cover is falling off, you aren't alone. Telgemeier’s relatable look at the 'middle school cringe,' dental drama, and evolving friendships struck a chord with an entire generation of readers. But what should they read next? While 'Smile' is a graphic novel, many fans are actually looking for that specific 'vibe': stories about real kids, school-based humor, and the ups and downs of growing up. Our top picks include both visual stories and fast-paced chapter books that capture the heart, friendship, and humor of Raina’s world.
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6 min read · Updated October 9, 2026
The short answer
Fans of Smile will enjoy books that capture relatable middle-school awkwardness, personal growth, and humor. Top recommendations include Lucky Scramble for its graphic novel format, A Girl from Yamhill for its honest look at childhood, and Ms. Marvel for its modern take on identity, alongside classic stories of sisterhood and resilient friendships.
Key takeaways
- Graphic memoirs like Smile provide a bridge for visual learners to connect with complex emotional themes.
- Relatable stories about school, braces, and friendships help normalize the 'cringe' years of middle school.
- Transitioning from graphic novels to memoirs like A Girl from Yamhill can help develop longer-form reading stamina.
- Look for books that balance humor with real-life challenges to maintain the 'Raina' vibe.
Transitioning from Graphic Novels to Relatable Stories
When a child finishes Raina Telgemeier’s Smile, they often aren't just looking for another comic book; they are looking for that specific feeling of being understood. Smile works because it tackles the universal embarrassment of middle school—from dental mishaps to shifting social circles—with a sense of humor and honesty. For many kids, this is the first time they see their own internal anxieties reflected on the page. Transitioning to a new book requires finding that same emotional resonance, whether the format remains a graphic novel or moves into traditional prose.
We have selected these titles based on their ability to capture the heart, friendship, and humor found in Telgemeier’s work. Some are visual powerhouses like Lucky Scramble, while others, like Little Women, offer the timeless foundation of the 'slice-of-life' genre that Smile modernizes. The goal is to keep the momentum going by providing stories where characters face real-world problems, make mistakes, and eventually find their footing. Each of these recommendations serves a different type of reader, from the one who loves the art to the one who loves the diary-like intimacy.
Top Pick for Visual Storytelling: Lucky Scramble by Peter Raymundo
If your reader is strictly looking for the graphic novel format, Lucky Scramble by Peter Raymundo is an excellent next step. Aimed at ages 8 to 12, this book captures the frantic, funny energy of being a kid trying to navigate high-stakes situations. While Smile focuses on the dental drama of Raina’s life, Lucky Scramble brings a similar level of personal investment and humor to its narrative. The art style is clean and expressive, making it easy for readers to track the characters' emotions through every 'cringe' moment.
What makes this a great follow-up is the way it handles the pressures of expectations and the chaos of family life. Much like Raina’s struggle with her braces and her friends, the protagonist here deals with situations that feel like the end of the world to a middle-grader but are handled with a light, redemptive touch. It is a safe, engaging read that reinforces the idea that even when things go sideways, you can find a way to laugh about it. This is a must-have for any graphic novel collection.
Real-Life Inspiration: A Girl from Yamhill by Beverly Cleary
For readers who were moved by the autobiographical nature of Smile, A Girl from Yamhill: A Memoir by Beverly Cleary is a masterful transition into prose. While this book is recommended for ages 12 and up due to its slightly more mature reflection on growing up, younger advanced readers will find Cleary’s childhood in Oregon fascinating. It provides a raw, honest look at the Great Depression, family tension, and the early sparks of a writer’s life. Like Raina, Beverly Cleary doesn't shy away from the moments where she felt out of place or misunderstood by the adults in her life.
This memoir is particularly effective for fans of Smile because it validates the 'normal' life of a child. There are no magic wands or dragons here; the drama comes from school assignments, friendships, and the desire for independence. By reading about Cleary’s real-life experiences, children can see the lineage of the 'relatable girl' archetype that Telgemeier has perfected. It is a longer read, sitting at around 350 pages, but for a child who wants to know 'what happens next' in a real person's life, it is an unbeatable choice.
Identity and Modern Friendships: Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1: No Normal
Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson is a fantastic bridge for kids who are ready for a bit more action but still want the 'relatable teen' vibe. Kamala Khan is a Pakistani-American girl from New Jersey who suddenly gains superpowers, but the real heart of the story is her struggle to balance her family's expectations, her religious identity, and her life at school. Fans of Smile will recognize the internal monologue of a girl who feels like she doesn't quite fit the mold of what a 'cool kid' is supposed to be.
The graphic novel format is vibrant and fast-paced, which is perfect for keeping reluctant readers engaged. While there are superhero elements, the story stays grounded in Kamala’s relationships with her best friends and her parents. It deals with the concept of 'No Normal'—the realization that everyone feels like an outsider sometimes. For a 12-year-old reader who enjoyed the social navigation in Smile, Kamala Khan’s journey offers a more contemporary and slightly more complex look at the same themes.
Classic Sisterhood and Growing Up: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
It might seem like a jump to go from a modern graphic novel to a 19th-century classic, but Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is the ultimate 'slice-of-life' story. The relationship between the four March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy—mirrors the sibling dynamics often found in Telgemeier’s books like Sisters. The bickering, the shared secrets, and the growing pains are universal. When Amy burns Jo’s manuscript or Jo cuts her hair to help the family, these are the 'middle school cringe' moments of the 1860s.
We recommend this for ages 10 to 14. While the language is more formal than a modern comic, the emotional stakes are exactly the same. Reading Little Women helps children realize that the feelings they have about their siblings and their future aren't new. If your child loved the family-centric parts of Smile, they will likely find a kindred spirit in Jo March. It is a thick book, often over 500 pages, so it’s a great project for a reader who is ready to sink their teeth into a longer narrative after finishing their graphic novel stack.
Humor and Mystery for Reluctant Readers: The Adventures of Captain Underpants
If the reason your child loved Smile was the humor and the ease of reading, Dav Pilkey’s The Adventures of Captain Underpants is a logical, albeit sillier, next step. Aimed at ages 8 to 10, this series uses a mix of prose and comic-style 'Flip-O-Ramas' to keep the energy high. George and Harold are two pranksters who create their own comic books, much like Raina Telgemeier started her career. The meta-narrative of kids creating art is a strong draw for creative readers.
While the humor is more slapstick than the grounded realism of Smile, the core theme of friendship is just as strong. George and Harold are an inseparable duo who use their imagination to navigate the strict environment of their elementary school. For a reluctant reader who might be intimidated by a wall of text, the visual breaks and comedic timing in Pilkey’s work provide a safe landing spot. It builds the confidence needed to eventually tackle more complex stories while keeping the fun of reading at the forefront.
Expanding Horizons with Nonfiction: The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation)
Smile is a memoir, and many kids who enjoy it don't realize they are actually fans of narrative nonfiction. The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation) by Daniel James Brown is a compelling way to test this interest. It tells the true story of the American rowing team that competed in the 1936 Olympics. While the setting is historical, the focus is on Joe Rantz, a boy who faced incredible personal hardships and had to learn how to trust his teammates to succeed. It is an underdog story that feels very personal.
This adaptation is tailored for ages 10 to 14, stripping away some of the denser technical details of the adult version while keeping the emotional core. It teaches resilience and the importance of finding your 'crew,' which are themes that resonate deeply with the middle-grade audience. By moving from a personal dental memoir to a historical sports memoir, readers can see how real-life stories are often more exciting than fiction. It is a great way to build historical literacy through a character-driven lens.
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Frequently asked
Which book is most similar to the graphic novel art style of Smile?+
While the art style varies, Lucky Scramble by Peter Raymundo uses a visual panel format that appeals to the same visual-learner demographic.
Are there books like Smile for slightly older readers?+
A Girl from Yamhill and Little Women are excellent choices for readers who love the family dynamics and growing-up themes of Raina Telgemeier's work.
What should a reluctant reader read after finishing Smile?+
Ms. Marvel and The Adventures of Captain Underpants are perfect for kids who need high-interest, visual stories to keep them turning pages.
Are there nonfiction books that feel like Smile?+
Yes, The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation) and Lincoln: A Photobiography offer engaging, real-life stories that mirror the biographical nature of Smile.
What is the appropriate age range for these books?+
Smile is generally recommended for ages 8 to 12, as it covers topics like dental surgery, puberty, and middle school friendships.
Which book focuses most on sibling relationships?+
A Girl from Yamhill and Little Women are the best fits for those who specifically enjoyed the relatable sisterhood and sibling conflicts in Smile.
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