The Tryout

 

Bibliography
Soontornvat, Christina, 2022. THE TRYOUT. Ill. by Joanna Cacao. New York, NY. ISBN 9781338741261.

Plot Summary
Best friends Christina and Megan are excited at the thought of trying out for the cheerleading squad. As they have faced situations of being treated differently based on their ethnicities in their small town, they long to be a part of the cheerleading team. A team where they will not only feel acceptance for once, but also become popular for their talents. Christina and Megan's friendship will be put to the test as they prepare for tryouts, navigate middle school life, and overcome small town judgement. 

Critical Analysis
This story is already unique as it is based on the author's past. Best friends Christina and Megan were instantly drawn to each other, as they both shared similar interests and had, unfortunately, been treated the same by others. Living in a small town in Texas, both girls had experienced feeling left out as they were both born into culturally diverse families; Christina is Thai-American and Megan is Iranian American. After feeling left out for many years, both girls decide to tryout for the cheerleading squad, where they can feel accepted and popular for once. One can only remember wanting to feel acceptance and avoid feeling left out as a pre-teen, it can be a lonely feeling, especially for young adults. As Christina struggles to find her identity, readers are given an opportunity to learn about Thai culture as told from her perspective and enjoy the diverse traditions her family practices. Cacao's expressive illustrations are sure to capture reader's attention as well, with the bright colors and very detailed scenes. Readers will find this story humorous, relatable, and overall admirable. Although Christina and Megan begin to express interest in different areas, they prove their strong bond of friendship can withstand pressure and judgement. Soontornvat also includes personal photos to give readers a glimpse behind the inspiration of the story. 

Review Excerpt(s)
Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "A funny, painfully honest look at a middle schooler finding her way." 
Starred review in PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY: "Soontornvat's denouement is genuinely nail-biting, and the girls' earnest love for cheerleading is infectious, despite their experiences with outward prejudice." 

Connections
- For middle school readers who can relate to trying out for a sports team, experiencing excitement and nervousness. 
- For readers who enjoy reading about friendship and diversity, relating to similar situations. 
- Middle schoolers will enjoy the funny, relatable situations included in this graphic novel. 
- Similar book recommendations:
Christmas, Johnnie. SWIM TEAM. ISBN 9780063056763
Soontornvat, Christina & Cacao, Joanna. THE SQUAD. ISBN 9781338741315

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