Charlie Jesterson
Raina Diane Telgemeier (/ˈtɛlɡəˌmaɪər/; born May 26, 1977) is an American cartoonist whose graphic novels—Smile, Drama, Sisters, Ghosts, and Guts—reshaped children’s and middle‑grade publishing. A perennial New York Times bestseller and multiple Eisner Award winner, Telgemeier also adapted Ann M. Martin’s The Baby‑Sitters Club into four hit graphic novels. Her books mix humor, empathy, and accessible cartooning to reach millions of young readers worldwide.
Infobox: Raina Telgemeier
| Born | Raina Diane Telgemeier — May 26, 1977; San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Cartoonist, writer, illustrator |
| Known for | Smile (2010), Drama (2012), Sisters (2014), Ghosts (2016), Guts (2019) |
| Notable series/adaptations | The Baby‑Sitters Club (Graphix adaptations) |
| Awards | Eisner Awards: 2011 (Smile), 2015 (Sisters), 2017 (Ghosts), 2020 (Guts); Dwayne McDuffie Award for Kids’ Comics (2017, Ghosts); Inkpot Award (2023); multiple state and library awards |
| Spouse | Dave Roman (m. 2006; div. 2015) |
| Residence | San Francisco, California (previously Astoria, New York) |
Overview
Telgemeier’s autobiographical and fiction graphic novels helped mainstream the middle‑grade graphic memoir and expanded the audience for kids’ comics. In May 2015, she held the top four spots on the NYT Paperback Graphic Books list (Drama, Smile, Sisters, Kristy’s Great Idea). As of 2019, her books had over 18 million copies in print, underscoring her outsized market impact and influence on publishers, librarians, teachers, and young readers.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in San Francisco, Telgemeier is the eldest of three children (siblings Amara and Will). Her parents encouraged reading and creativity from an early age, often taking the children to local libraries and art events. A pivotal moment came in sixth grade, when an accident knocked out her two front teeth, leading to nearly four years of braces, multiple dental surgeries, and a roller‑coaster of self‑consciousness—experiences vividly chronicled in Smile.
She attended Lowell High School, where she participated in the school newspaper’s comics section and stage crew, further shaping her storytelling skills. Telgemeier then moved across the country to study illustration at New York’s School of Visual Arts (SVA), where she honed her clean, expressive cartooning style and graduated in 2002.
Career Beginnings: Minis, Webcomics, and Anthologies (2002–2005)
After graduating from SVA, Telgemeier began appearing at prominent small‑press and indie comics shows (including the MoCCA Arts Festival, SPX, and APE), where she sold and promoted her self‑published work. Between 2002 and 2005, she produced and distributed seven mini‑comics in her autobiographical Take‑Out series, each a 12‑page slice‑of‑life story blending humor, personal reflection, and expressive cartooning.
These minis built her reputation in the indie comics community and led to early professional opportunities, including short pieces for DC’s Bizarro World anthology and the critically acclaimed Flight Vol. 4, where her clean linework and strong visual pacing stood out. In 2004, she joined the subscription‑based webcomics collective Girlamatic, where the discipline of posting a weekly strip helped her refine pacing, dialogue, and panel composition, ultimately developing the serialized autobiographical story that evolved into her breakout graphic novel Smile.
Breakthrough: The Baby‑Sitters Club Adaptations (2006–2008)
A chance meeting with a Scholastic/Graphix editor in 2004—at an art gallery event in New York—sparked a conversation about graphic novels for younger readers. Telgemeier enthusiastically pitched adaptations of Ann M. Martin’s beloved The Baby-Sitters Club series, drawing from her own fond memories as a childhood fan. Four volumes followed—Kristy’s Great Idea (2006), The Truth About Stacey (2006), Mary Anne Saves the Day (2007), and Claudia and Mean Janine (2008)—each praised for faithfully capturing the tone of the originals while modernizing the visuals for a new generation.
The books showcased her knack for expressive character acting, body language, and kid‑authentic humor. The success of these adaptations, supported by significant advances, allowed her to leave her day job, focus on comics full‑time, and cement her reputation among librarians, booksellers, and young readers as a fresh, approachable voice in children’s graphic literature.
Original Graphic Novels and Bestsellers (2010–present)
- Smile (2010) — An expanded, full‑color version of her webcomic about braces, anxiety, and self‑image. It debuted on—and repeatedly returned to—the NYT bestseller lists.
- Drama (2012) — A middle‑school theater story about friendship, crushes, and backstage life; praised for inclusivity and emotional honesty.
- Sisters (2014) — A companion memoir about sibling rivalry and family road‑trip chaos; another Eisner winner.
- Ghosts (2016) — A supernatural tale about sisters, community, and Día de los Muertos; won the Eisner for Best Publication for Kids (9–12) and the Dwayne McDuffie Award for Kids’ Comics (2017).
- Guts (2019) — A candid memoir about stomach issues, worry, and therapy; won Eisners in 2020 (Best Publication for Kids; Best Writer/Artist).
Additional work includes co‑writing X‑Men: Misfits (2009, Del Rey Manga) with Dave Roman; contributions to Nursery Rhyme Comics, Fairy Tale Comics, Explorer, and Comics Squad anthologies; and a whimsical Salt & Straw ice‑cream collaboration (2021) for a “Smile: Words & Pictures” flavor nodding to school supplies and sketchbooks.
Coming next: In 2023, Telgemeier finished pencils on her next book. Scholastic later announced The Cartoonists Club (co‑written with Scott McCloud), slated for April 1, 2025.
Themes & Style
- Empathy first: Stories emphasize communication, vulnerability, and growth.
- Autobiography + humor: Body image, friendship, anxiety, and family dynamics rendered with levity and honesty.
- Clear cartooning: Clean lines, expressive faces, and strong visual pacing make complex feelings readable for young audiences.
- Middle‑grade lens: Age‑appropriate stakes and resolutions, with respect for kids’ intelligence.
“It’s going to be okay. With a little talking and a little empathy, we find what we have in common.” — Telgemeier
Reception & Impact
Telgemeier’s books have dominated bestseller lists and recommendation lists (ALA/YALSA, ALSC, Kirkus, NYT Editors’ Choice), often holding multiple positions simultaneously and maintaining long consecutive runs. Publishing leaders, educators, and critics credit her with popularizing the middle‑grade graphic memoir, expanding bookstore and library shelf space for kids’ comics, and influencing a wave of autobiographical and realistic fiction graphic novels for young readers. Her work is frequently used in classrooms not only for discussions of SEL (social‑emotional learning), health literacy, and storytelling craft, but also for art curriculum units, diversity and inclusion dialogues, and interdisciplinary projects linking literature to history, culture, and media literacy.
Challenges & Bans
Drama has appeared repeatedly on ALA’s Top 10 Most Challenged Books lists (2014, 2016–2019) for reasons including LGBTQIA+ content, alleged “explicit” themes, or conflicts with “family values.” In some districts, challenges have cited same‑sex crushes and depictions of affection as inappropriate for the intended age group, despite their brief and age‑appropriate portrayal. Challenges have often been overturned after review, with educators and librarians defending the book’s literary merit, inclusivity, and alignment with anti‑bullying curricula.
In Laramie, Wyoming (2020), for example—a community historically associated with LGBTQ+ rights struggles—a public hearing drew around 75 attendees, the majority speaking in support of the book. The review committee voted unanimously to keep it in the school library, highlighting its role in fostering empathy and understanding among students.
Awards & Honors (Selected)
- Eisner Awards — Smile (2011, Best Publication for Teens); Sisters (2015, Best Writer/Artist); Ghosts (2017, Best Publication for Kids 9–12); Guts (2020, Best Publication for Kids; Best Writer/Artist)
- Dwayne McDuffie Award for Kids’ Comics — Ghosts (2017)
- Inkpot Award — 2023
- Stonewall Honor — Drama (2013)
- Young Hoosier Book Awards — Smile (2014), Sisters (2017)
- Numerous state, library, and reader‑voted honors; ongoing NYT list placements (notably 2011–2020)
Bibliography
Author & Illustrator
- Take‑Out (self‑published minis, 2002–2005)
- Smile (2010)
- Drama (2012)
- Sisters (2014)
- Ghosts (2016)
- Guts (2019)
- The Cartoonists Club (with Scott McCloud, 2025)
Illustrator (Adaptations)
- The Baby‑Sitters Club: Kristy’s Great Idea (2006)
- The Truth About Stacey (2006)
- Mary Anne Saves the Day (2007)
- Claudia and Mean Janine (2008)
Author (Other)
- X‑Men: Misfits (2009, with Dave Roman)
Anthologies
- DC: Bizarro World (2005)
- Flight Vol. 4 (2007)
- Nursery Rhyme Comics (2011)
- Fairy Tale Comics (2013)
- Explorer (2012, 2013)
- Comics Squad: Recess! (2014)
Personal Life
Telgemeier married fellow cartoonist Dave Roman in 2006 after several years of dating; the two often collaborated creatively, including co‑authoring X‑Men: Misfits. The couple divorced in 2015, but have continued to support each other’s work publicly. She currently lives in San Francisco, where she maintains a home studio filled with original art, books, and memorabilia from her career, and she is active in local arts and literacy events. She previously lived in Astoria, New York, where she was part of a vibrant cartoonist community that influenced her early professional development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Raina Telgemeier book should a new reader start with?
Smile (memoir) or Drama (fiction) are popular entry points; Guts offers a powerful look at anxiety for slightly older middle‑grade readers.
Why are Raina’s books frequently challenged?
Drama includes LGBTQIA+ characters and middle‑school crushes; some challengers object to inclusive, age‑appropriate themes despite broad educator and library support.
What’s next?
The Cartoonists Club (with Scott McCloud) is scheduled for April 1, 2025 from Scholastic/Graphix.
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