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jess_mango's review against another edition
4.0
My 9-year old son said this was the most popular book in his 4th grade class this year so he was psyched when I checked it out of the library.
In this graphic memoir, young Raina starts getting an upset stomach a lot of the time. The upset stomach plus dealing with a mean girl at school doesn't make 5th grade the best of times for her.
We didn't end up liking this one as much as the previous two book we've read by the author but it still had some good info/lessons for middle grade kids. Raina ends up in therapy to help work through her anxiety and there are positive messages around that. There isn't a true strong story arc, but it is a memoir so things can't necessarily be forced into a mold.
In this graphic memoir, young Raina starts getting an upset stomach a lot of the time. The upset stomach plus dealing with a mean girl at school doesn't make 5th grade the best of times for her.
We didn't end up liking this one as much as the previous two book we've read by the author but it still had some good info/lessons for middle grade kids. Raina ends up in therapy to help work through her anxiety and there are positive messages around that. There isn't a true strong story arc, but it is a memoir so things can't necessarily be forced into a mold.
luanndie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Probablemente sea de la entrega que más he disfrutado simplemente por la temática. La cuestión de la salud mental y la ansiedad no es un tema sencillo que presentar a los más pequeños y aquí Telgemeier consigue darle normalidad y visibilidad de una forma accesible para todos los públicos. Tal vez sea la menos "divertida" de las historias hasta ahora, pero seguramente la más relevante.
harleyrae's review against another edition
4.0
There is just something about these books that I really enjoy. They are such easy and enjoyable reads. The stories are always a lot of fun and very relatable as well. I’ll be keeping my eyes out for a potential 4th book.
ashleylynn3421's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
dembury's review against another edition
4.0
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 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!
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 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!
alicebme's review
4.0
Very cool to see myself on the page, especially now that reading it makes me proud of my progress instead of triggering me into pukeville. Thanks, Raina!!!
janagaton's review against another edition
4.0
-normalizes talking about therapy & its importance
-deals with being the bigger person
-anxiety rep
-emphasizes that everyone has fears/secrets
-coming of age
This was my 3rd Raina Telgemeier graphic memoir this month & I've absolutely loved every single one.
-deals with being the bigger person
-anxiety rep
-emphasizes that everyone has fears/secrets
-coming of age
This was my 3rd Raina Telgemeier graphic memoir this month & I've absolutely loved every single one.
gracepizza40's review against another edition
4.0
When I read this for the first time I didn't really like or understand it. But reading this now I understand it more. Michelle was annoying. I didn't really like when Raina treated periods like they were all secrets and stuff (like when her friend revealed that she got her period at the sleepover), but it is still kind of taboo to talk about them today. NORMALIZE TALKING ABOUT PERIODS.