Answer:
R: Read
Raina Telgemeier's novel Smile tells the story of a middle school girl named Raina who is struggling with a variety of issues. The novel is a graphic memoir and recounts Raina's real-life experiences.
A: Ask
What is the central idea developed in the beginning of Smile by Raina Telgemeier?
D: Determine
After reading the beginning of the novel, the central idea developed is that Raina is looking forward to getting braces, hoping they will fix her teeth and boost her self-confidence.
D: Locate and Highlight
"I was just starting sixth grade when my dental nightmare began." (page 3)
"Getting braces was a good thing. I was excited to finally get them..." (page 8)
"I was so happy! I couldn't stop smiling. I felt like a brand-new person." (page 10)
E: Evaluate
Raina's excitement about getting braces sets up the central conflict of the novel, which is her journey towards accepting herself regardless of her physical appearance. Raina's initial excitement about the braces shows that she believes they will solve all of her problems and make her feel better about herself. However, the rest of the novel shows that this is not the case, and that self-acceptance comes from within rather than from external changes.
Therefore, the central idea developed in the beginning of Smile by Raina Telgemeier is that Raina is hopeful that getting braces will fix her teeth and increase her self-confidence, setting up the central conflict of the novel.