S
6
M
1
LESSON
11
WORD COUNT:
193
LEXILE MEASURE:
540
CEFR:
B1.5
IELTS:
4.5
The Smile Squad
Written by
Illustrated by
Sophie feels a bit glum after losing her first tooth. She believes the gap makes her look odd, so she keeps her mouth closed, afraid of what her friends might say. Her mum notices Sophie’s quietness and asks her what’s bothering her.
Sophie shares her worries with her mum. Her mum gives her a comforting hug and explains that losing teeth is a normal part of growing up.
The next day at school, Sophie nervously smiles, showing her gap. Her friends, Olivia and Frankie, notice and come over.
Olivia grins and says, ‘Sophie, look at you! Your smile is unique and special, just like you!’
Frankie says, ‘Yeah, and you know what they say, smiles are like fingerprints—no two are alike. There’s no other smile like yours!’
Sophie giggles, her worries melting away. ‘You really think so?’
Olivia nods and says, ‘Absolutely! And guess what? I lost a tooth, too. See?’ Sheflashes her own gap. Frankie proudly displays his gap as well. He says, ‘And me too! We can be the “Smile Squad” together!’
Sophie beams, realizing she isn’t alone. Her friends’ support makes her understand that growing up isn’t so bad.