Guts: A Graphic Novel

Guts is the third book in the author's Smile series (the second being Sisters). The series is actually a graphic memoir, based on the author's real life. In this particular installment, Raina is struggling with school issues, worries about food and friendships, and oncoming puberty. Things many of us can relate to. I could see my daughter in the pages of the book, which makes sense given they are of a similar age (I think Raina is slightly younger in this memoir).

Guts also touches on mental health concerns, anxiety in particular. Something just about everyone deals with at some point in their life to one degree or another. Raina has suffered with anxiety most of her life. This book was a good opportunity for me to talk with my daughter show more about our personal struggles with anxiety, and how well we could relate to Raina. I appreciated the way the author normalized getting help for anxiety, including seeing a therapist. Something that I wish more books for children would do. Little Raina is such a sweetheart and I wanted to give her a hug more than once. I have great admiration for the author and am grateful she is sharing her story with young readers (and us older ones too). show less

Borrowed galley from Stephanie T.

Some of Raina's classmates are hitting puberty (and feeling rather smug about it), but all Raina's getting is anxiety and stomach pains. Her parents are supportive and find her a therapist to talk to; the therapist helps Raina manage her anxiety so it's not so debilitating.

Can you be sick even if you're not sick? Can you be healthy even if you hurt? (69)

Thoughts can exist...feelings can exist...but words do not always exist. (76-77)

"I go to therapy, too."
"REALLY?!"
"Yeah. It's no big deal."
"But no one EVER talks about it!" (201)

Telgemeier shares her struggles with anxieties and phobias and their effect on her digestive system. The book contains a great message for kids even if it isn't Telgemeier's most captivating work.

I admit I may be holding this book at a little distance as I have people in my life who struggle with similar problems.

Little kids don't know their families are weird. They take everything for granted. Then from preschool on it's learning that other people have completely different homes and families. And then you start learning how much other people feel the same inside, even though the external is so different. In Guts Telgemeier condenses years down into one school year, and shares all of that: details and process.
It's gross, depending on the reader's particular issues, but also pratical tools for coping.
Great stuff. I am in awe of the author’s memory: I don't recall any part of my life so vividly, including yesterday.

Library copy

I wish books like this had been available when I was a kid. Like Raina and many others, I thought I was weird or broken during adolescence. I felt ashamed or embarrassed about a lot of completely normal things. Reading books like GUTS helps kids feel less alone and, I hope, more accepting of themselves and others.

I think it was brave of Raina to share this non-glamorous aspect of her life. And stomach trouble is not exactly an illness that's easy to dramatize. If this were a debut writer, I think I'd have trouble booktalking "kid has gastrointestinal problems" and getting young readers excited about it. Due to Raina's huge popularity, a ton of kids will read this book, which is great.

Also, I think practically everyone should be in therapy.

4.5
On the whole, "Guts" is a wonderful middle-grade story about dealing with anxiety, stress, and changes that I think many young readers in similar situations will be able to able to relate to. It's a very thoughtful book that I wish I had been able to read when I was younger! Telgemeier has this wonderful way of approaching topics in a realistic yet comforting manner that really makes the book feel like a welcoming space.
Two things held this book back a bit: first, even though "Guts" talks a LOT about dealing with bodily stresses head-on, it glosses right over any solid discussion on menstruation other than a stereotypical "Welp, that's puberty!" I thought this was weird considering that no other topic is shied away from. I just would show more have been nice to see a little better moment in that regard.
Secondly, there is a semi-offhand comment about another girl being the victim of verbal abuse from a drunk father than receives no attention at all. I understand that maybe this was something Telgemeier heard from a friend at a sleepover at this age, but for the purpose of this book, I think the issue needed to either be addressed in some way (even just an adult becoming aware of the situation) or cut out for narrative purposes. It's such a small moment but a young reader encountering it will just be left hanging completely.
All in all though, an enjoyable addition to the Smile series - I definitely plan to continue reading! show less

One of the strongest parts of this graphic novel is how honestly it shows the author’s personal experiences with anxiety and stress in middle school. The story helps readers understand what it feels like to deal with worries and fears in everyday life. The graphic novel explores themes like anxiety, friendships, school pressure, and learning how to manage emotions. It shows how Raina learns to recognize what is causing her fears and how she slowly finds ways to cope with them. The illustrations are very expressive and help show the emotions she is feeling, which makes the story easier to understand and connect with. The age range for this book would be upper elementary to middle school