STAND TALL. BE LOUD. GAME FACE ON.
This pitch perfect graphic memoir about courage and competition, friendship and belonging is perfect for fans of Smile, New Kid, Rollergirl, and Real Friends.
“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
“Delightfully expressive...a standout.” — Booklist
“Illustrated and told in a way that every middle school student can relate to. Captures the poignancy of the emotional rollercoaster that [they] experience every day.” — School Library Connection, recommended
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?
Hilarious and highly relatable, The Tryout by two-time Newbery Honoree Christina Soontornvat and shining new talent Joanna Cacao will make you laugh, cry, and cheer!
CHRISTINA SOONTORNVAT is the award-winning author of over a dozen books for children of all ages. She is also a 3-time Newbery Honoree for her middle grade titles The Last Mapmaker, A Wish in the Dark, and All Thirteen:The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys Soccer Team. Her picture books include The Ramble Shamble Children, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Lauren Castillo, and To Change a Planet, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Belle. She travels all over the world to speak to children, writers, and educators about her love of reading and writing. She currently lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and two daughters.
