The Tryout: A Graphic Novel - by Christina Soontornvat (Hardcover)

About the Book

As one of the only Asian Americans in her school, Christina confronts both well-meaning ignorance and cruel racism, but in middle school, fitting in is important, which is why she and her best friend Megan are both excited and nervous to try out for the popular cheerleading squad.

Book Synopsis

Could anything be more mortifying than trying out for cheerleader in front of your whole grade? This hilarious, highly relatable story will make you laugh, cry, and cheer! Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier.

An Instant #1 Bestseller!

"A captivating middle-grade gem." - The New York Times Book Review

"Funny, relatable, and genuine." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Captures every nuanced emotion." - School Library Journal, starred review

"Genuinely nail-biting." - Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Cringe-worthy in the best possible way...inspiring and insightful." - Shelf Awareness, starred review

STAND TALL.BE LOUD.GAME FACE ON.

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?

Review Quotes

"The plot alone is enough to keep young readers flipping the pages. (I held my breath when the final roster of cheerleaders was announced.) But like all good books about growing pains, this captivating middle-grade gem contains many moments that will resonate with young and old alike." - The New York Times Book Review

★ "This superlative graphic memoir is a funny, relatable, and genuine story of friendship and belonging. . . . The jokes, daydreams, and quips are delightful without overshadowing or diminishing the impact of [Christina's] experiences with racism and exclusion. The attractive, expressive illustrations feature clean lines and bright colors. A funny, painfully honest look at a middle schooler finding her way." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Soontornvat's lived and emotional experiences come through loud and clear....Cacao's manga-inspired artwork captures every nuanced emotion. . . . Readers of this empowering graphic memoir will want to invite Christina to sit at their table to share food, stories, and the secrets to self-confidence." - School Library Journal, starred review

★ "Soontornvat's denouement is genuinely nail-biting, and the girls' earnest love for cheerleading is infectious, despite their experiences with outward prejudice. Via emotive close-ups, Cacao confidently conveys the girls' persistence, fluidly injecting their athletic pursuits with lively energy using bright color palettes and varied character design." - Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Soontornvat's memoir is cringe-worthy in the best possible way. . . . brought to life with gorgeous illustration from self-taught comic artist Joanna Cacao. . . . The Tryout is an inspiring and insightful graphic memoir for anyone who simply wants to fit in." - Shelf Awareness, starred review

"The art is delightfully expressive, and the characters' personalities shine in each panel. A standout addition to any graphic autobiography collection." - Booklist

"The trials and tribulations that Christina and her friends go through as they try to find their niche in school, including teasing and bullying, are illustrated and told in a way that every middle school student can relate to. The story is told with a sense of humor and captures the poignancy of the emotional rollercoaster that students in middle school experience every day. . . . The illustrations truly enhance the text, giving just enough detail to fill in the events without being distracting or detracting from the story being told." - School Library Connection, recommended

"The Tryout beautifully captures the struggles and pressures of wanting to fit in. As a fellow Thai-American, Christina brought a tear to my eye." - Dan Santat, New York Times bestselling creator of The Aquanaut

About the Author

Christina Soontornvat is a three-time Newbery Honoree, a Sibert Honoree, and a Kirkus Prize winner. Her highly acclaimed backlist includes the middle grade books The Tryout, The Squad, The Last Mapmaker, A Wish in the Dark, and All Thirteen; the picture book To Change a Planet; and the chapter book series Diary of an Ice Princess, Legends of Lotus Island, and the highly anticipated NEXT series, The Luckies, with Sarah Mlynowski. Christina lives in Tennessee with her family. Learn more at soontornvat.com.
Joanna Cacao is a Canadian-Filipino author-illustrator. She illustrated the first two books in The Tryout Series, The Tryout and The Squad, both instant bestsellers, and has authored and illustrated her debut graphic novel, The Secret of the Ravens. She lives in Winnipeg, Canada. Learn more at joannacacao.com.