Raina Telgemeier
Credit: © Leonardo Cendamo, Getty Images

March is Women’s History Month, an annual observance of women’s achievements and contributions to society. This month, Behind the Headlines will feature woman pioneers in a variety of areas.

Adults often ask kids, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” When the American author, cartoonist, and illustrator Raina Telgemeier was asked this question, she knew exactly what she wanted to be—a cartoonist. Telgemeier is a bestselling author of graphic novels for teens. These works have been noted for being relatable to middle schoolers and high schoolers.

Telgemeier gained recognition for four graphic novel adaptations of the “Baby-Sitter’s Club” series of novels, written by Ann M. Martin. Telgemeier’s adaptations are Kristy’s Great Idea and The Truth About Stacey (both 2006), Mary Anne Saves the Day (2007), and Claudia and Mean Janine (2008). Telgemeier has also created several original best-selling graphic novels for teens, including Smile (2010), Drama (2012), Sisters (2014), Ghosts (2016), and Guts (2019).

Telgemeier was born on May 26, 1977, in San Francisco, California. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York City in 2002. From 2002 to 2005, she created her first published comics, seven short stories in the series “Take-Out.” Her work has appeared in many other comic series and anthologies.