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books_inthewild's review
5.0
Just like that, another graphic novel that has captured my heart! ♥️
The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat @csoontornvat and illustrated by Joanna Cacao @jocabako
The story of Christina and her best friend Megan is truly such a realistic, important, heartwarming, hilarious story of two middle school friends trying to find their way!
With cheerleading tryouts as the main event, the themes that are unpacked range from racism, religion, friendship, family, immigration, bullying, stereotypes, etc etc etc! The characters are so diverse and lovable, and the story is truly engaging.
I cannot wait to recommend this one to students- it will be POPULAR!
Great for grades 6-8 ☺️
The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat @csoontornvat and illustrated by Joanna Cacao @jocabako
The story of Christina and her best friend Megan is truly such a realistic, important, heartwarming, hilarious story of two middle school friends trying to find their way!
With cheerleading tryouts as the main event, the themes that are unpacked range from racism, religion, friendship, family, immigration, bullying, stereotypes, etc etc etc! The characters are so diverse and lovable, and the story is truly engaging.
I cannot wait to recommend this one to students- it will be POPULAR!
Great for grades 6-8 ☺️
bookgurl488's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
This book was marvelous and heartwarming. Sometimes, life just doesn't work out the way you want it to. Embrace who you are now, because life is short. I could tell this story was taken from the author's own life. Buddhism was explained well in this story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs
librarylandlisa's review
5.0
The Tryout is a fabulous graphic memoir in the ranks with Smile by Telgemeir. The art style is hilarious and the book made us literally LOL.
avavoors02's review
4.0
I enjoyed this book because it is one of the few sports books that have a plot line that doesn't always revolve around their own success.
lostinausten's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
3.5
An outsider wants to fit in and tries her luck at cheerleading, hoping that it's the best route.
This was a cute and heartfelt graphic novel about the need to fit in during middle school. I loved how this is based off of the author's own experience growing up in Texas. She shares her experience of being the daughter of an immigrant and trying to find her place in the world. She also showcases the racism and ignorance she had to endure along with the supporters who cheered her on. It was a really authentic, to the point story. I also appreciated all the Lord of the Rings and Star Trek Next Generation references.
This was a cute and heartfelt graphic novel about the need to fit in during middle school. I loved how this is based off of the author's own experience growing up in Texas. She shares her experience of being the daughter of an immigrant and trying to find her place in the world. She also showcases the racism and ignorance she had to endure along with the supporters who cheered her on. It was a really authentic, to the point story. I also appreciated all the Lord of the Rings and Star Trek Next Generation references.
wollstonecrafty's review
middle school book group is back!! looking forward to discussing this with the kids
appaloosa05's review
Very well done graphic novel. I enjoyed it a lot, and I think a lot of middle schoolers would find it very relatable.
kennedy_reads_a_lot's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
2.5
I didn't love it. I didn't like the ending, and it was sort of out of my comfort zone. Overall, if this is your sort of thing, go for it! It just wasn't mine.
calliecachat's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
This was such a fun read. I used this book as part of a project for my Cross-Cultural Contemporary Literature course. I created a unit plan on graphic migration literature and used part of this story to show the perspective of a child of an immigrant to the U.S. I thought this book was well done and a great way to open up conversations on migration and discrimination with students. It was also relatable for kids.
midnightverde's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
This is very, very well done. It brought me back to my childhood (I’m a middle aged parent) in many funny ways. It was also able to bring important topics like racism to a book in a very accessible way that will hopefully help kids gain understanding.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Racism