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The Tryout #2
The Squad
Break out your pom poms! The highly anticipated, stand-alone companion to the instant #1 bestseller The Tryout promises even more cheer, higher stakes, and relatable middle-school drama. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier.
STEP UP. COMMIT. FOLLOW THROUGH.
After the crushing disappointment of not making the cheerleading squad, Christina and her besties, Megan and Leanne, are thrilled to discover they can try out again in eighth grade. Christina is more confident this She dresses in her own style and has amazing friends, even her first crush. But what if the girls don't all make the squad? Worse than that, Christina learns her parents' marriage is collapsing. Suddenly, her family, her future, and her identity seem in total freefall. Can Christina keep it together and still make her cheerleading dreams come true?
This high-flying, heart-filled story will make you laugh harder, cry more, and cheer louder than ever!
STEP UP. COMMIT. FOLLOW THROUGH.
After the crushing disappointment of not making the cheerleading squad, Christina and her besties, Megan and Leanne, are thrilled to discover they can try out again in eighth grade. Christina is more confident this She dresses in her own style and has amazing friends, even her first crush. But what if the girls don't all make the squad? Worse than that, Christina learns her parents' marriage is collapsing. Suddenly, her family, her future, and her identity seem in total freefall. Can Christina keep it together and still make her cheerleading dreams come true?
This high-flying, heart-filled story will make you laugh harder, cry more, and cheer louder than ever!
288 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 2024
531 people are currently reading
1170 people want to read
About the author
Christina Soontornvat
40 books745 followersChristina Soontornvat grew up behind the counter of her parents’ Thai restaurant in a small Texas town with her nose stuck in a book. She is very proud of both her Thai and her Texan roots, and makes regular trips to both Weatherford and Bangkok to see her beloved family members (and eat lots and lots of Thai food!). Christina is the author of the fantasy middle grade series, The Changelings, and the early chapter book series, Diary of an Ice Princess. Her forthcoming books include the middle grade fantasy, A Wish in the Dark, and All Thirteen, a nonfiction account of the Thai Cave Rescue.
In addition to being an author, Christina holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in Science Education. She spent a decade working in the science museum field, where she designed programs and exhibits to get kids excited about science. She is passionate about STEM (science, technology engineering, and math), and loves learning new things. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, two young children, and one old cat.
In addition to being an author, Christina holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in Science Education. She spent a decade working in the science museum field, where she designed programs and exhibits to get kids excited about science. She is passionate about STEM (science, technology engineering, and math), and loves learning new things. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, two young children, and one old cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
July 15, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Even though she didn't make the 8th grade cheerleading squad, Christina is having a good year. She still practices the cheer routines with her good friends Megan and Leanne, has a crush on the very cute Andy, is taking home ec, and is very excited about her new art project, which she is working on with a group. It's sculptures of toes, which seems perfectly reasonable for a middle school art project! She still hangs out with Greg (whom she "loves but doesn't 'like'"), and avoids the racist Tobin, who isn't quite as bad as he's been in the past, although his friends still call Christina "rice girl" and other horrible names. While Christina is the only Asian in her small Texas town, when she goes to church and hangs out with other Thai students, she still doesn't feel like she fits in, since she is half Thai and doesn't speak the language. While her life is going pretty well, there is some tension, since her parents' restaurant isn't doing as well as they would like, and her parents are arguing a lot. When it turns out that there will be THREE spots on the high school cheer squad, the friends are sure that they can try out and get them, and that this would be the thing that would make life absolutely perfect. Of course, life changes quickly, and when her father moves out, Christina tries to tell herself that her parents are just separating. Since one of her favorite movies is the Hayley Mills' version of The Parent Trap, she's determined to get her parents back together, and doesn't really listen to what they have to say. Eventually, her parents tell her that it's a done deal; they are divorcing, and the mom sells her half of the house and the restaurant business to the dad. She gets a job, but it's in the nearest large town, and rents an apartment. This is a lot to deal with while tryouts are going on, and it's a big relief when Christina and Megan make the high school squad. Sadly, Leanne doesn't, and this causes a temporary rift. Christina is angry about her parents, and also bears some resentment towards the people who want to be her friend now that she's a cheerleader. Why didn't they want to be her friend before? This causes her to be a bit snotty to others. She's excited about cheerleading camp, but it's a lot of work, and eventually her feelings bubble to the surface and she shares them with her new squad. This helps a little, and while life isn't perfect, it's still pretty good.
Strengths: I was glad that we had a firm date when this took place: 1994. The historical details are quite good; there's even a stress ball that Megan has that reminded me of one that my students gave me in 1993! The relationships are more strongly portrayed than in other graphic novels I have read, and I especially liked the fact that Christina and Andy go out to the mall on a date... and she finds out that they really don't have much in common! The arc of the divorce seems very realistic, and I imagine that there are a lot of students who delude themselves that their parents will get back together when this won't ever happen. I liked that she was able to discuss this with other classmates, like Andy, whose parents were also divorced. Since I am also a huge Gene Kelly fan, I was greatly amused by her love of this fantastic movie star; maybe tweens will investigate some of his work. There is an undercurrent of racial identity that is worked in nicely as well. There are not as many middle grade novels about cheerleading as you would imagine, and the first book has circulated well in my library.
Weaknesses: Sure, I know in my heart of hearts that the cheerleaders who were mean to me when I was in middle and high school probably were mean because they were deeply wounded individuals and I should feel sorry for them, but since several of them were still nasty to me at our 40th class reunion, this is hard to believe. We can only hope that cheerleaders today are not as elitist. And snotty.
What I really think: I love the variety of Soontornvat's writing; she's done nonfiction (All Thirteen, Made in Asian America), fantasy (Legends of Lotus Island and Time After Time), alternative history (The Last Mapmaker), and even a picture book biography (A Life of Service: The Story of Senator Tammy Duckworth)! I'd love to see her do more funny, realistic fiction, but it will just be fun to see what she turns her hand to next!
Even though she didn't make the 8th grade cheerleading squad, Christina is having a good year. She still practices the cheer routines with her good friends Megan and Leanne, has a crush on the very cute Andy, is taking home ec, and is very excited about her new art project, which she is working on with a group. It's sculptures of toes, which seems perfectly reasonable for a middle school art project! She still hangs out with Greg (whom she "loves but doesn't 'like'"), and avoids the racist Tobin, who isn't quite as bad as he's been in the past, although his friends still call Christina "rice girl" and other horrible names. While Christina is the only Asian in her small Texas town, when she goes to church and hangs out with other Thai students, she still doesn't feel like she fits in, since she is half Thai and doesn't speak the language. While her life is going pretty well, there is some tension, since her parents' restaurant isn't doing as well as they would like, and her parents are arguing a lot. When it turns out that there will be THREE spots on the high school cheer squad, the friends are sure that they can try out and get them, and that this would be the thing that would make life absolutely perfect. Of course, life changes quickly, and when her father moves out, Christina tries to tell herself that her parents are just separating. Since one of her favorite movies is the Hayley Mills' version of The Parent Trap, she's determined to get her parents back together, and doesn't really listen to what they have to say. Eventually, her parents tell her that it's a done deal; they are divorcing, and the mom sells her half of the house and the restaurant business to the dad. She gets a job, but it's in the nearest large town, and rents an apartment. This is a lot to deal with while tryouts are going on, and it's a big relief when Christina and Megan make the high school squad. Sadly, Leanne doesn't, and this causes a temporary rift. Christina is angry about her parents, and also bears some resentment towards the people who want to be her friend now that she's a cheerleader. Why didn't they want to be her friend before? This causes her to be a bit snotty to others. She's excited about cheerleading camp, but it's a lot of work, and eventually her feelings bubble to the surface and she shares them with her new squad. This helps a little, and while life isn't perfect, it's still pretty good.
Strengths: I was glad that we had a firm date when this took place: 1994. The historical details are quite good; there's even a stress ball that Megan has that reminded me of one that my students gave me in 1993! The relationships are more strongly portrayed than in other graphic novels I have read, and I especially liked the fact that Christina and Andy go out to the mall on a date... and she finds out that they really don't have much in common! The arc of the divorce seems very realistic, and I imagine that there are a lot of students who delude themselves that their parents will get back together when this won't ever happen. I liked that she was able to discuss this with other classmates, like Andy, whose parents were also divorced. Since I am also a huge Gene Kelly fan, I was greatly amused by her love of this fantastic movie star; maybe tweens will investigate some of his work. There is an undercurrent of racial identity that is worked in nicely as well. There are not as many middle grade novels about cheerleading as you would imagine, and the first book has circulated well in my library.
Weaknesses: Sure, I know in my heart of hearts that the cheerleaders who were mean to me when I was in middle and high school probably were mean because they were deeply wounded individuals and I should feel sorry for them, but since several of them were still nasty to me at our 40th class reunion, this is hard to believe. We can only hope that cheerleaders today are not as elitist. And snotty.
What I really think: I love the variety of Soontornvat's writing; she's done nonfiction (All Thirteen, Made in Asian America), fantasy (Legends of Lotus Island and Time After Time), alternative history (The Last Mapmaker), and even a picture book biography (A Life of Service: The Story of Senator Tammy Duckworth)! I'd love to see her do more funny, realistic fiction, but it will just be fun to see what she turns her hand to next!
June 13, 2025
I didn't connect with this sequel as well I did the original. I was bored as it repeated some stuff from the first book and annoyed as it showed some unpleasant sides of the main character as she deals with a family crisis.
It's not bad, but I just can't give it a thumbs up.
It's not bad, but I just can't give it a thumbs up.
December 27, 2024
Very good and I may like it more then the 1st one witch was VERY VER VERY good!
April 20, 2024
Book 2 in The Tryout MG graphic novel series by @csoontornvat
📣
After Christina doesn’t make the cheer squad in seventh grade, she and her friends try to rally again in the hopes of trying out in eighth grade. In the midst of all their practicing, Christina’s life at home begins to change. Her dad moves out and Christina is left wondering why her parents can’t just make it work. Between tryouts, divorce talk, friend drama, a first crush, fitting in, and an identity crisis, Christina has her hands full before freshman year.
📣
I absolutely adored The Tryout because I saw so much of myself on the pages. Christina and I are around the same age, both cheerleaders in middle school and since it’s set during that time of the 90s, it’s a total throwback for me. When one of my students didn’t make cheer this year, I gave her #book 1 to read after chatting with her and she resonated so much with Christina’s story as well. I can’t wait to chat with her about this title next week at #nttbf24! Also be sure to check out the photos in the back! I might have some similar hair choices in my albums as well 😂 The Squad releases from @graphixbooks November 12.
CW: racism, microaggressions, misogyny, divorce (theme)
📣
After Christina doesn’t make the cheer squad in seventh grade, she and her friends try to rally again in the hopes of trying out in eighth grade. In the midst of all their practicing, Christina’s life at home begins to change. Her dad moves out and Christina is left wondering why her parents can’t just make it work. Between tryouts, divorce talk, friend drama, a first crush, fitting in, and an identity crisis, Christina has her hands full before freshman year.
📣
I absolutely adored The Tryout because I saw so much of myself on the pages. Christina and I are around the same age, both cheerleaders in middle school and since it’s set during that time of the 90s, it’s a total throwback for me. When one of my students didn’t make cheer this year, I gave her #book 1 to read after chatting with her and she resonated so much with Christina’s story as well. I can’t wait to chat with her about this title next week at #nttbf24! Also be sure to check out the photos in the back! I might have some similar hair choices in my albums as well 😂 The Squad releases from @graphixbooks November 12.
CW: racism, microaggressions, misogyny, divorce (theme)
November 21, 2024
Might be better than the first book, which I loved!
February 25, 2025
These are just great. Please keep them coming!
May 16, 2025
4.5 stars!
Awww I loved this one as well as the 1st one! Wholesome and Pure moments between family and friends 🥹🥰💖
Christina was dealing with a lot since her parents decided to get a divorce. She struggled to accept that and didn’t want to tell her friends and also couldn’t feel like she could be herself with everyone.
She loved Art but also loved Cheerleading and guess what…THIS TIME SHE FINALLY MAKES IT ON THE SQUAD woohoo 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
This book dealt with a lot! Divorce and identity and finding your true squad and also learning to be yourself and talk about your feelings!
I also loved how she was excited to go on a date but they had nothing in common so it was like yeah you have a crush but the reality is not always the same as what you dreamt 😹😭🤣
I’m grateful that graphic novels like these exist! Thank you for writing about your life and childhood and being honest. I love the art style and I think it’s so important to tackle these topics in a way that kids can understand and make them feel less alone.
Love the Author’s Note 🥹😭🥰💖
But sadly I have realised that a lot of kids do not in fact read the Author’s Note or Acknowledgments 😭😭😭 I ALWAYS read them and love reading them!
I think the kids will be VERY excited to read this as they really enjoyed the first book!
I LOVE graphic memoirs and lately the MG Graphic Memoirs have been amazing so far!
Anyhew, would defo recommend this if you enjoyed the first book and if you haven’t read The Tryout then what are you waiting for?!
Awww I loved this one as well as the 1st one! Wholesome and Pure moments between family and friends 🥹🥰💖
Christina was dealing with a lot since her parents decided to get a divorce. She struggled to accept that and didn’t want to tell her friends and also couldn’t feel like she could be herself with everyone.
She loved Art but also loved Cheerleading and guess what…THIS TIME SHE FINALLY MAKES IT ON THE SQUAD woohoo 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
This book dealt with a lot! Divorce and identity and finding your true squad and also learning to be yourself and talk about your feelings!
I also loved how she was excited to go on a date but they had nothing in common so it was like yeah you have a crush but the reality is not always the same as what you dreamt 😹😭🤣
I’m grateful that graphic novels like these exist! Thank you for writing about your life and childhood and being honest. I love the art style and I think it’s so important to tackle these topics in a way that kids can understand and make them feel less alone.
Love the Author’s Note 🥹😭🥰💖
But sadly I have realised that a lot of kids do not in fact read the Author’s Note or Acknowledgments 😭😭😭 I ALWAYS read them and love reading them!
I think the kids will be VERY excited to read this as they really enjoyed the first book!
I LOVE graphic memoirs and lately the MG Graphic Memoirs have been amazing so far!
Anyhew, would defo recommend this if you enjoyed the first book and if you haven’t read The Tryout then what are you waiting for?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2025
3.85 (sorry to be specific but here we are)
This one is much better than the first! Not to say the first was bad, it wasn't- but this one was tons better.
Her story writing has gotten better, and I was able to resonate with Chrsitina a lot more than I did originally- kudos to that- along with the main struggles being something beyond 'new school and maybe new friends' it tackled something much harder- and I'll say she did well 😌
This one is much better than the first! Not to say the first was bad, it wasn't- but this one was tons better.
Her story writing has gotten better, and I was able to resonate with Chrsitina a lot more than I did originally- kudos to that- along with the main struggles being something beyond 'new school and maybe new friends' it tackled something much harder- and I'll say she did well 😌
December 11, 2024
A very satisfying follow-up. Christina makes the squad and deals with her parents disintegrating marriage. 3.5 stars rounded up cause the artwork is so good.
November 20, 2024
This was so good! I really enjoyed reading this and I hope that the author continues to write more and more books.
November 1, 2024
My 9 year old read this, gave it to me and said, "daddy I think you should read this it's really good."
Who am I to disappoint her? The Squad follows Christina on her quest to make the cheerleading squad after not making it the year before. And how do you fit in with a new group of friends you perceived differently?
Solid graphic novel, quick read for adults, appropriate for 8 and up.
Who am I to disappoint her? The Squad follows Christina on her quest to make the cheerleading squad after not making it the year before. And how do you fit in with a new group of friends you perceived differently?
Solid graphic novel, quick read for adults, appropriate for 8 and up.
April 5, 2025
In this sequel to The Tryout, Christina and her friends are preparing to try out for the 9th grade cheer squad. There will be 3 spots available next year, and Christina and her two best friends feel like they are destined to make the squad. But as things are looking up at school, her home life has taken a nosedive as her parents are fighting more, and finally separate, with her dad moving out.
Wonderful storytelling that shows all of the complicated parts of middle school and growing up. I am forever impressed by Christina Soontornvat’s ability to tell so many different kinds of stories and have them all be so amazing.
Wonderful storytelling that shows all of the complicated parts of middle school and growing up. I am forever impressed by Christina Soontornvat’s ability to tell so many different kinds of stories and have them all be so amazing.
January 8, 2025
Another cute story with a good message. I wish I could have all my 7th graders read this to understand belonging.
March 25, 2025
3.25🌟
June 27, 2025
3.5 stars. A satisfying sequel with more middle-age angst that keeps us engaged. As always, the illustrations are great too. Make sure yo read the author's note too
December 31, 2024
I liked how it’s realistic and how there’s a part where Christina ( the main character ) sneaks extra cherries into her soda and gets caught. That part was really funny. 🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2025
this was a letdown after the first book. majorly.
July 23, 2025
Adore this middle grade graphic novel. Deals with identity, changing friendships, and divorce.
July 27, 2025
cute art and cute story
December 19, 2024
When you have students and parents asking about books about divorce, this is a good one. Friendship and fitting in are all here too.
December 10, 2024
Absolutely outstanding! Definitely stands up next to the first in the series. I adore Christina and am so glad she continues to share her story—it’s one that will resonate with so many.
October 10, 2024
For a graphic novel about cheerleading, this book hits really hard in the feels department. Definitely a good follow up to the first book.
March 3, 2025
Review: Review: https://hiplibrariansbookblog.com/202...
December 26, 2024
This series is really well done imho
December 26, 2024
Interesting and sweet. Sort of misleadingly not about cheerleading, but captivating nonetheless.
December 8, 2024
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May 27, 2024
“The Squad” is a heartfelt story that beautifully captures the ups and downs of being a teen about to embark on a new adventure while changes happening behind the scenes are affecting Christina’s home life. Christina, faces the heartbreak of not making the cheerleading squad. Alongside her supportive friends, Megan and Leanne, she eagerly looks forward to a second chance in eighth grade. This time, Christina feels more self-assured, embracing her unique style and enjoying the company of her amazing friends and first crush. However, the story takes a deeper turn when Christina discovers her parents' marriage is falling apart. The turmoil at home threatens to unravel her sense of stability and self-identity.
Christina Soontornvat masterfully weaves together the challenges of friendship, family, and personal growth in a narrative that resonates with readers of all ages. Christina's journey is a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination required to pursue one's dreams amidst life's uncertainties.
“The Squad” is not just about cheerleading; it's about finding strength in the face of adversity and holding onto hope when everything seems to be falling apart. Christina's story will inspire readers to believe in themselves and the power of perseverance. Highly recommended for anyone who has ever faced setbacks and still dared to dream. I really wish this book was around when I was the same age. My parents split up during that time and I recall how I kept it a secret for so long, feeling shame, even though it had nothing to do with me. Soontornvat words and illustrations reflected exactly the same frustration I felt at that age. Can’t wait to share this one with the world!
Christina Soontornvat masterfully weaves together the challenges of friendship, family, and personal growth in a narrative that resonates with readers of all ages. Christina's journey is a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination required to pursue one's dreams amidst life's uncertainties.
“The Squad” is not just about cheerleading; it's about finding strength in the face of adversity and holding onto hope when everything seems to be falling apart. Christina's story will inspire readers to believe in themselves and the power of perseverance. Highly recommended for anyone who has ever faced setbacks and still dared to dream. I really wish this book was around when I was the same age. My parents split up during that time and I recall how I kept it a secret for so long, feeling shame, even though it had nothing to do with me. Soontornvat words and illustrations reflected exactly the same frustration I felt at that age. Can’t wait to share this one with the world!
November 24, 2024
My very happiest and most painful memories all come from those years. The funny thing is that I thought I had the world's most boring life. Only now do I realize that every day was full of stories.—From the author's bio
As a teacher at an international school in Thailand, I have been following Christina's work for many years. My school was also fortunate to have her visit our school, in-person, for several days last year. So I am a Christina stan. Her writing is smooth, relatable, and accessible—three aspects of writing that MG/YA writing craves, and needs.
The Squad is a continuation of her previous smash-hit, The Tryout. Set during her 8th grade year, Christina is back with her close friends, Leanne and Megan, as they attempt (again) to enter the cheering world. Although that story line is important, I was drawn more to Christina's home life. My parents also got a divorce when I was in middle school, so I had a deep connection to the writing and felt what she was experiencing. The writing was raw and vulnerable—it took courage to admit even when her less-than-bright side shown as well. This is an easy winner that belongs on those MG shelves. Recommended for GR 6 and up.
As a teacher at an international school in Thailand, I have been following Christina's work for many years. My school was also fortunate to have her visit our school, in-person, for several days last year. So I am a Christina stan. Her writing is smooth, relatable, and accessible—three aspects of writing that MG/YA writing craves, and needs.
The Squad is a continuation of her previous smash-hit, The Tryout. Set during her 8th grade year, Christina is back with her close friends, Leanne and Megan, as they attempt (again) to enter the cheering world. Although that story line is important, I was drawn more to Christina's home life. My parents also got a divorce when I was in middle school, so I had a deep connection to the writing and felt what she was experiencing. The writing was raw and vulnerable—it took courage to admit even when her less-than-bright side shown as well. This is an easy winner that belongs on those MG shelves. Recommended for GR 6 and up.
December 16, 2024
I honestly liked this one better than the first one! Book 1 introduced us to Christina and all her friends as she tried out for the cheer squad at school. Book 1 (The Tryout) is connected to this one, so I recommend reading it first though! It’s a good book.
In The Squad, Christina and her friends are still trying to figure out Junior High. Christina is loving art class and figuring out who she wants to be. When she finds out there are tryouts for the high school cheer squad, she and her friends sign up. Little does Christina know that there is going to be way more stress in her life than just the tryout this year! Between first kisses and family drama, Christina is having a tough time. Will she pull through and make the next squad? What about Megan and Leanne, her two best friends?
Loaded with heart and hope, this middle school read is sure to find its way into the hearts of kids everywhere. I liked how the author included thoughtful notes on going through tough times in the back. It’s good to remind everyone that every person you meet is fighting a battle you cannot see.
In The Squad, Christina and her friends are still trying to figure out Junior High. Christina is loving art class and figuring out who she wants to be. When she finds out there are tryouts for the high school cheer squad, she and her friends sign up. Little does Christina know that there is going to be way more stress in her life than just the tryout this year! Between first kisses and family drama, Christina is having a tough time. Will she pull through and make the next squad? What about Megan and Leanne, her two best friends?
Loaded with heart and hope, this middle school read is sure to find its way into the hearts of kids everywhere. I liked how the author included thoughtful notes on going through tough times in the back. It’s good to remind everyone that every person you meet is fighting a battle you cannot see.
February 12, 2025
I enjoyed another visit with Christina and her friends. They are back from winter break in 8th grade and getting ready for high school. They are picking classes and balancing activities. It's not surprising that Christina doesn't notice the fighting between her parents. Megan, Leanne, and Christina realize that there will be three openings on the cheer squad next year. THREE. It seems like it is meant to be, but there are always obstacles when you try to get what you want.
I like this portrayal of middle school. These girls could be any of my students. I especially liked that we discovered that everyone is worrying about something. They all have stuff going on that holds them back. Take time to read the author's note.
This is the second book in The Tryout series, but it can be read alone. It is based on the real life of Christina Soontornva. There are even pictures in the back of the book, but it is a fictionalized account and is in our fiction graphic novel section GN SOONTORNVAT.
I like this portrayal of middle school. These girls could be any of my students. I especially liked that we discovered that everyone is worrying about something. They all have stuff going on that holds them back. Take time to read the author's note.
This is the second book in The Tryout series, but it can be read alone. It is based on the real life of Christina Soontornva. There are even pictures in the back of the book, but it is a fictionalized account and is in our fiction graphic novel section GN SOONTORNVAT.
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