The Tryout

By: Christina Soontornvat

Narrated by: Grace Li, Vaneh Assadourian, Marcha Kia, Ashley Austin Morris, Brian Sounalath, full cast

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

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!

©2022 Christina Soontornvat (P)2022 Scholastic Inc

Critic reviews

"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

I thought this part was really good because the try out reminded me of how nervous and excited for my first dance try out

It was really good overall, but l didn’t like the part where the loud sound effects came on and I had to cep changing the volume. Based on the story part it was amazing.🥈

Pom-poms!!!

OK, so I love this story. I have set a new goal. I want to be a cheerleader and now I know how to deal with disappointment if I don’t like it. that being said I don’t live in Texas so it might be a bit different. over I love this story.🩷

Beautiful Story!

A great read for all middle school children! The author brought her story to life is a hilarious, yet compassionate way! This should be on every child’s summer reading list.

How brave the young girl was

nothing nothing nothing and nothing nothing nothing not a single thing I loved it so much

I love the story and my favorite part was all the sound affects!

Loved all of it and loved the Tia temple and loved the struggle and that she got through it.