Published: 2022
Series: N/A
Author: Christina Soontornvat
Illustrator: Joanna Cacao
Genres: Graphic Novel, Memoir, Sports, Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Friendship, Childrens, Comics, Biography, Family
Audience (Grade Levels): Middle School / Grades 5-8
Number of Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads Link: The Tryout
Triggers: Microaggressions, racial slurs/insensitive comments from peers, bullying, and intense middle school social anxiety
Review By: Corinne Blair
Publisher’s Summary:
When cheerleading tryouts are announced, Christina and her best friend, Megan, literally jump at the chance to join the squad. As two of the only kids of color in the school, they have always yearned to fit in-and the middle school cheerleaders are popular and accepted by everyone. But will the girls survive the terrifying tryouts, with their whole grade watching? And will their friendship withstand the pressures of competition?
STAND TALL.
BE LOUD.
GAME FACE ON.
Review:
Absolutely love this one! One of the most perfect middle grade graphic novels I have ever read! I loved how this was a memoir, about small town Texas, friendship, middle school struggles. All the things! I thought it was so important that Soontornvat shared her story because everyone needs to read it. It was the perfect window to trying to understand what it is like growing up in dual cultures. I appreciate sharing her specific story and representing so many Asian Texans. Some parts of the book I gasped out loud at the rude comments the kids would make to the main character and her friend. I found myself saying, “Do kids REALLY say things like that?!” I know they do. I also found myself laughing out loud at parts and tearing up at more. We’ve all felt like fish out of water, especially in middle school and struggled with fitting in and this book really nailed it.
Christina Soontornvat’s exceptional narrative pacing and structural organization make this book a swift, engaging, and unforgettable read. The artwork by Joanna Cacao is phenomenally expressive, employing a vibrant color palette and dynamic layouts that capture the high-stakes physical energy of cheerleading alongside the subtle, painful shifts in middle school social hierarchies. The panels brilliantly transmit the characters’ internal vulnerabilities, allowing the emotions to leap directly off the page. Furthermore, the bright, high-energy cover design is incredibly eye-catching and effectively attracts its target tween and teen audience, instantly appealing to graphic novel enthusiasts and sports fans alike.
I give this masterpiece a full 5 stars, scoring it at the highest level for its unique creativity, compelling writing style, authentic illustrations, and powerful commitment to meaningful diversity. This graphic memoir is a high-value recommendation for middle school librarians, upper elementary educators, and any professional working to build an empathetic adolescent collection. It captures the universal desire to belong with unmatched honesty, serving as an essential addition that brings immense cultural and emotional value to both school and public library shelves.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- ELA / Memoir & Graphic Literature: An outstanding mentor text for teaching autobiographical writing, panel structure, and how visual storytelling enhances character voice and theme development.
- Social Studies / Regional History: Connects beautifully to units discussing multicultural communities within modern American history, specifically exploring the unique experiences of immigrant families settling in non-urban, small-town settings like Texas.
- Extension Activity / Library Application: This title is an exceptional selection for middle school book clubs, literature circles, or independent reading programs. As an extension library activity, students can examine the historical concept of “windows and mirrors” in literature, mapping out parts of Christina’s journey that reflect their own middle school experiences (mirrors) versus parts that provided them insight into a different cultural background (windows).
- Diversity & Representation Note: The Tryout provides stellar, authentic representation by shining a light on growing up in dual cultures within a predominantly white, small-town environment. It elevates the voices of Asian Texans and kids of color, addressing complex topics like microaggressions and identity intersectionality with profound care and realism.
Readalikes:
- Real Friends by Shannon Hale
- All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson
- Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas
