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The Tryout #1
The Tryout
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?
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?
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 6, 2022
728 people are currently reading
3710 people want to read
About the author
Christina Soontornvat
41 books746 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 630 reviews
August 18, 2022
As a Thai Texan who grew up on the receiving end of casual racist remarks at school, just like Christina, this book resonated with me a lot more than I expected. I was surprised to see some of my personal struggles reflected in here, particularly the ones I thought I was uniquely alone in (like the “I’m from Thailand” “don’t you mean Taiwan?” conversation with the white kid who always thought they knew better). And that is why I love middle grade stories like this one so much—they can show young kids that even if it seems like the world is against them, there are others out there who have been through what they have, and made it out.
At its heart, though, this is a story about chasing dreams and finding your passion, about believing in your friends but also believing in yourself. It feels like the most middle school story ever, with all the cringe and dramatics that are part of every seventh grader’s rite of passage, and I think that is what makes it feel so charming. Any reader can feel their inner kid full of innocent worries and ambitions come to life while flipping through these pages—and to the readers of color who experienced the same troubles Christina did (or worse), this story will especially touch them.
—★—
At its heart, though, this is a story about chasing dreams and finding your passion, about believing in your friends but also believing in yourself. It feels like the most middle school story ever, with all the cringe and dramatics that are part of every seventh grader’s rite of passage, and I think that is what makes it feel so charming. Any reader can feel their inner kid full of innocent worries and ambitions come to life while flipping through these pages—and to the readers of color who experienced the same troubles Christina did (or worse), this story will especially touch them.
—★—
Thank you to the author and Scholastic for sending a review copy in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion in any way.
August 31, 2022
Cheerleaders. What is it about them that makes so many of us want to be them? Is it the camaraderie of squad? Is it their tumbling skills? The school spirit? Whatever it is, Christina Soontornvat caught that bug as a 7th grader. This new graphic novel takes us through her 7th grade year in a small Texas town. Her family has a Thai restaurant there and Christina has a best friend named named Megan. The two of them sign up for tryouts. A good portion of the novel shows the preparation for tryout. Can you make something happen if you put your heart and soul into it? What will you do if your friend gets in and you don't? What if you get in and she doesn't? I was on pins and needles as we wait to see it the two make the squad. This book is perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier, Victoria Jamieson, and Cece Bell.
Thank you to Graphix and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Graphix and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2023
Absolutely love this one! One of the most perfect middle grade graphic novels I have ever read!
Go for this book if you want the kids it or your students to start reading that has realistic characters in it like them who are struggling every through school, trying to fit in, trying their best, facing all the pressure and the expectations.
I just love the artstyle and how easy it is to get into the book.
I feel the representation is perfect. I have learnt a few amazing things about Thai people and a bit of their culture from this book.
I do hope the author brings out more realistic contemporary middle grade book.
One of my all time favourites now.
Go for this book if you want the kids it or your students to start reading that has realistic characters in it like them who are struggling every through school, trying to fit in, trying their best, facing all the pressure and the expectations.
I just love the artstyle and how easy it is to get into the book.
I feel the representation is perfect. I have learnt a few amazing things about Thai people and a bit of their culture from this book.
I do hope the author brings out more realistic contemporary middle grade book.
One of my all time favourites now.
December 13, 2022
But HOW is she so good at every kind of book?!
April 2, 2025
ببساطة جذابة تحكي المؤلفة قصتها وهى طفلة كإبنة لمهاجر فيتنامي في الولايات المتحدة، وكيف كان ينظر المجتمع لها ك "دخيلة" عليهم بمظهرها وشكلها وإرثها الثقافي، وذلك رغم كونها وُلدت وعاشت طيلة حياتها مع هذا المجتمع في نفس البلد.
تحاول "كريستينا" التي تقف على أعتاب المراهقة إثبات "أمريكيتها" لهذا المجتمع، فتنضم لاختبارات فريق المشجعات، والذي يعطي بصفة غير رسمية رخصة "القبول" لمن تنتمي له.
تتوازى حكايتها مع حكاية صديقتها المقربة، والتي تعاني نفس المعاناة نظرا لانتماءها لأصل إيراني. ونرى من خلالهما صراع "الغريب" الذي يرى نفسه في موضع شك واتهام دائم من قِبل أهل البلد الذي هاجر إليه.
أحببت القصة التي ناقشت أفكارا كبيرة ببساطة تناسب السن الموجه له تلك العمل. كتابة لطيفة وشخصيات قريبة لكل من يمر بتلك المرحلة العمرية.
September 12, 2022
Amazing, amazing, amazing. LOVED.
June 4, 2025
The author recounts a stressful year in seventh grade when she and her best friend tried out for the cheerleading squad at their middle school in a small town in Texas, hopeful it would increase their popularity enough that people would stop being hateful and/or inconsiderate to them about their Thai and Iranian heritages.
The ride is rough for the characters, but the storytelling is smooth and compelling.
The ride is rough for the characters, but the storytelling is smooth and compelling.
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July 6, 2023
Christina Soontornvat is trying to fit in with her nearly-all-white small-town Texan school—and making the cheerleading squad is certainly what's going to put her in with the in-crowd!
I loved this graphic novel. It's about changing friendships as childhood friends meet the strain of middle school, and about fitting in when everyone has changed overnight and you...have apparently missed the memo that everyone else already knew five weeks ago.
And I also loved that Christina addresses the strange cognitive dissonance of loving America and also realizing that a lot of it is so deeply, very flawed.
Also: the absolute terror of being forced to perform a cheer-routine in front of your entire class and then having them all vote on it? UGH. What a horrible way to reinforce the idea that cheerleading is nothing more than a popularity contest.
Beware: there are a ton of microaggressions and straight-out racism in this book.
I loved this graphic novel. It's about changing friendships as childhood friends meet the strain of middle school, and about fitting in when everyone has changed overnight and you...have apparently missed the memo that everyone else already knew five weeks ago.
And I also loved that Christina addresses the strange cognitive dissonance of loving America and also realizing that a lot of it is so deeply, very flawed.
Also: the absolute terror of being forced to perform a cheer-routine in front of your entire class and then having them all vote on it? UGH. What a horrible way to reinforce the idea that cheerleading is nothing more than a popularity contest.
Beware: there are a ton of microaggressions and straight-out racism in this book.
December 16, 2024
I’m Asian-American I could relate to everything in this book. First of all, the fmc is half Thai and so am I, and her Thai temple with the monks and everything literally looks exactly like mine 🤭 and people judging you for not being baptized is so real. And being made fun of, people saying Ching-Chong at you? Happened to me
People in my grade use their fingers to stretch their eyelids, making fun of me for how I look. People make 9/11 jokes to Muslims which is NOT okay. And this book explains that
The fmc is half Thai, half white/american, and lives in Texas. Her best friend is half Muslim, and they both decide to try out for cheerleading.
(Spoiler for ending but minor) they don’t make the team, most likely bcz of they’re Asian American and popularity and all that, bcz the fmc’s best friend Megan does gymnastics.
People in my grade use their fingers to stretch their eyelids, making fun of me for how I look. People make 9/11 jokes to Muslims which is NOT okay. And this book explains that
The fmc is half Thai, half white/american, and lives in Texas. Her best friend is half Muslim, and they both decide to try out for cheerleading.
(Spoiler for ending but minor) they don’t make the team, most likely bcz of they’re Asian American and popularity and all that, bcz the fmc’s best friend Megan does gymnastics.
March 11, 2023
I was totally riveted by this graphic memoir, which discusses identity and belonging amongst many other important themes. It also takes us through the world of cheerleading and I think the author highlighted some good points about the sport as a whole e.g. the public humiliation of having to perform tryouts in front of the whole school, who then end up voting for the popular kids anyway.
Reading about Christina's experiences was illuminating. The scenes where people are unable to pronounce her name and yet make no effort to do so really got to me because RELATABLE. We also get to learn more about Thai culture and traditions, which was eye-opening.
Also of note is how Christina contemplates sometimes we don't get what we want despite trying our hardest and that every ending is a new beginning.
I particularly loved the author's note in which she talks about her complicated feelings for her hometown of Texas and the importance of sharing our stories to make change. She was also open about the regrets that still gnaw at her, such as her cruel behaviour and failure to stand up for others. Makes me happy to know that Megan and Leanne remain her best friends.
A greatly enjoyable read!
✨ "Maybe my own personal story was small, but the conversation about race and belonging in America is a big one."
Reading about Christina's experiences was illuminating. The scenes where people are unable to pronounce her name and yet make no effort to do so really got to me because RELATABLE. We also get to learn more about Thai culture and traditions, which was eye-opening.
Also of note is how Christina contemplates sometimes we don't get what we want despite trying our hardest and that every ending is a new beginning.
I particularly loved the author's note in which she talks about her complicated feelings for her hometown of Texas and the importance of sharing our stories to make change. She was also open about the regrets that still gnaw at her, such as her cruel behaviour and failure to stand up for others. Makes me happy to know that Megan and Leanne remain her best friends.
A greatly enjoyable read!
✨ "Maybe my own personal story was small, but the conversation about race and belonging in America is a big one."
January 20, 2023
I am currently holding myself back from googling Care Bear Funshine underwear. I feel like Christina and I would have been friends.
December 20, 2022
This graphic novel rang all my bells. Memoir, small town Texas, friendship, middle school struggles. So much to love.
I'm glad that Soontornvat shared her story because everyone needs to read it. We can all relate even if we did not grow up in dual cultures. We've all felt like fish out of water. I appreciate sharing her specific story and representing so many Asian Texans.
I'm glad that Soontornvat shared her story because everyone needs to read it. We can all relate even if we did not grow up in dual cultures. We've all felt like fish out of water. I appreciate sharing her specific story and representing so many Asian Texans.
December 29, 2024
This was a cute story about a turbulent time in all teens lives: middle school. It dealt with the type of bullying all kids witness and is shown in popular media, like a girl mocked for crying in class. And it showed bullying based on sexual orientation, race, and defying gender norms. Although there was no true HEA, because whose happy ever after happens in middle school, it did end on a note of growth and finding some measure of peace.
Triggers: racism, physical abuse (very brief, to side character), bullying
Triggers: racism, physical abuse (very brief, to side character), bullying
December 25, 2024
4.5/5⭐️
Bijna een 5 ster maar vond de tekenstijl soms wat afgeraffeld
Bijna een 5 ster maar vond de tekenstijl soms wat afgeraffeld
March 12, 2025
The 8 and 10 year old were so excited for me to read this because they were certain it would make me cry. I did not cry but a great book to read and to share in their excitement of reading it.
June 19, 2024
This book is not as much about cheerleading as you might expect from the cover.
I get why they sold it that way - like any activity decision during your early years, trying out for cheerleading can be a pretty major potential turning point.
What stands out to me about this story, though, is the stuff about Christina's family restaurant, and the challenge of being half-Thai in Texas. Which relates, of course, to the cheerleading.
I loved the ending of the story. I loved the self-reflection in the story. What kind of person do you want to be? CAN you succeed at anything if you really try? Pivotal middle school questions. Pivotal LIFE questions.
The illustrator, Joanna Cacao, did a great job on the form. Full color, and it's very much going to appeal to kids who love autobio graphic novels like this. I love that she talks about her own experience in her bio.
I get why they sold it that way - like any activity decision during your early years, trying out for cheerleading can be a pretty major potential turning point.
What stands out to me about this story, though, is the stuff about Christina's family restaurant, and the challenge of being half-Thai in Texas. Which relates, of course, to the cheerleading.
I loved the ending of the story. I loved the self-reflection in the story. What kind of person do you want to be? CAN you succeed at anything if you really try? Pivotal middle school questions. Pivotal LIFE questions.
The illustrator, Joanna Cacao, did a great job on the form. Full color, and it's very much going to appeal to kids who love autobio graphic novels like this. I love that she talks about her own experience in her bio.
November 4, 2022
I don’t normally write a review for the books I read but I feel I should do it for this one. The author and the illustrator did such a great job telling the story that showed the Thai descendants’ experiences and cultures. I’m Thai living in the USA for over 20 years and I appreciate how they portrayed it.
The details such as the family going to Wat Thai (the Thai temple) or the several ways you can “wai” depending on who you are doing it to or even the way Thai people say “Waddee” as in saying hello in a casual way. Thanks for including some words in Thai as well.
Now I’m going to hand this book to my children who are also half Thai-half American to enjoy. I hope this book will serve as “mirrors,” “windows,” and “sliding glass doors” for all the children out there.
The details such as the family going to Wat Thai (the Thai temple) or the several ways you can “wai” depending on who you are doing it to or even the way Thai people say “Waddee” as in saying hello in a casual way. Thanks for including some words in Thai as well.
Now I’m going to hand this book to my children who are also half Thai-half American to enjoy. I hope this book will serve as “mirrors,” “windows,” and “sliding glass doors” for all the children out there.
March 17, 2024
A story about the stress of trying out for cheerleading in junior high/middle school as a person of color. Christina's Dad immigrated from Thailand to Texas; her Mom's family has lived there for generations. Her best friend Megan's Dad immigrated from Iran and is Muslim. Can Christina and Megan make the team? What if only one of them makes the cut? Can their friendship survive the tryouts ?
Young people who are interested in cheerleading or school stories will enjoy this.
Young people who are interested in cheerleading or school stories will enjoy this.
March 13, 2023
The Tryout is a fantastic graphic memoir that will appeal to fans of sports stories and books about life as a minority and child of immigrants. The author does an excellent job of balancing hard moments with funny moments of levity throughout the story. Filled with beautiful full-color illustrations and centering a biracial Asian-American protagonist, I’m sure lots of kids will see themselves in Christina’s story.
https://readingmiddlegrade.com/the-tr...
https://readingmiddlegrade.com/the-tr...
December 3, 2022
The story really resonated with me because I joined cheerleading in 8th grade to fit in. It was not for me, but I forced myself to fit a square peg in a round hole. Even though I am not a Texan, Asian-American, or in middle school (anymore), I think the beauty of these stories is to open the world around you and to recognize other people's struggles. I was heartbroken seeing the racist prejudice Christina and Megan faced yet this is still the world we live in. Kindness can go a long way.
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October 6, 2022Another great addition to the middle school graphic memoir genre.
February 3, 2023
Yet another masterpiece by Christina Soontornvat, but what makes this my favorite of her books is it's from a very personal standpoint. There were so many relatable moments in this autobiographical story that made me say "yup" to myself. The micro-aggressions and outright racism we as asians experience that we had been conditioned to swallow and endure, self-censoring our hurt and indignation to "get along" is really perfectly described in this story. I don't know if that kind of thing went away and came back with our increasingly divisive political climate (where racism is used as a tool to gain political power), or if I'm just more aware of it and aware that it's okay to feel it's not wrong to say something about it, but I do feel like books like this are important for kids AND adults to read to know they're not alone, and they don't need to internalize everything or "go back where you came from." (That's Chicago, then.)
I think Joanna Cacao, the illustrator did a great job of drawing this story so it was paced just right for humorous and dramatic effect, and I feel like the style was perfect for it.
I think Joanna Cacao, the illustrator did a great job of drawing this story so it was paced just right for humorous and dramatic effect, and I feel like the style was perfect for it.
March 24, 2023
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The Tryout is a book that not only balances the racism that breaks my heart - especially for middle grade readers - but also the joy in embracing ourselves. In knowing where we come from, celebrating our home, and what makes us different. The Tryout examines this quintessential middle grade experience which I'm not sure we ever grow out of - the pressure to fit in. To try to fit ourselves in a mold of what people want can require a price. A way in which we betray ourselves, the ones we love, and more.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/3-ba...
The Tryout is a book that not only balances the racism that breaks my heart - especially for middle grade readers - but also the joy in embracing ourselves. In knowing where we come from, celebrating our home, and what makes us different. The Tryout examines this quintessential middle grade experience which I'm not sure we ever grow out of - the pressure to fit in. To try to fit ourselves in a mold of what people want can require a price. A way in which we betray ourselves, the ones we love, and more.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/3-ba...
June 14, 2023
This was a nice little treat to read! I believe this is a story that reflects the author’s life and experiences. A young Asian American girl starts middle school without having any classes with her best friend. There’s some great growing up themes, a little bit of religion, classic middle school struggles, and all around growth. There were some great themes that I didn’t expect and some really good conversation starters for the reader to think about.
June 28, 2025
I really liked this middle grade graphic memoir and the themes explored. The author is bi-racial (Thai and Texan) and decides to try out for the cheerleading squad. Highs and lows are gently recounted accompanied by cute and colorful illustrations. Would highly recommend for kids and fans of the Netflix documentary series Cheer.
July 12, 2025
This was so realistic because the girls played with dolls and pretended they were orphan children working in the mines, and when they played house, they were talking about getting divorced because the farts are too bad.
August 6, 2023
3.5-3.75/5
June 10, 2024
That was SO good! I felt like I was right back in middle school. I'm glad I'm not the only one who had those same hilarious thoughts AND those same loafers!
March 23, 2025
3.5⭐️ This was pretty cute 🙂
October 24, 2025
This book is very cool and based on a true story and it’s good for 8-11 year olds to read!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 630 reviews