Smile: A Graphic Novel

Raina finishes sixth grade on a dour note: While trading yearbook signatures, she receives one from Nicole stating, “Have a nice summer, Vampire-Girl!” (53). In addition to Girl Scout camp and vacation trips, Raina continues her dental visits and receives the dreaded wrap-around headgear. Zits appear on her face just in time for the first day of seventh grade, but her worries dry up when she develops a crush on Sammy, a sixth grader and fellow flute player in band class who also has braces.

In October, an earthquake rips through Raina’s neighborhood. She, her mother, and Amara take safe positions, but Will does not know what is going on and continues to stand by rattling bookshelves. Huddled under the table together, Raina notices that Amara is willingly hugging her and praying for the first time, and the bolts on the bookshelves prevent them from falling on Will. While the power goes out, and the family learns that a portion of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge has collapsed, the family suffers no serious injuries or property damage, and her father comes home safely.

Raina appreciates the calm, lightless night in the aftermath but rejoices when the power comes back a few hours later.