The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat
The Hook:
In this graphic novel, the author, Christina, shares what it was like growing up as one of the only Asian American students in her small-town school. People make fun of her “foreign” last name, they tease her about her so called “smelly” lunches that she brings from home and some call her “rice girl.” Luckily, she has a best friend, Megan, that can relate. Megan is Iranian American. The two of them spend all their free time together. But things change when they begin 7th grade. Megan is spending more time practicing gymnastics and they do not have any classes together. They decide to try out for the cheerleading squad together. But Megan does not want to be Christina’s partner at practice. She thinks because they are “different” from their mostly white classmates, and they are practicing together it will diminish both of them. Then, neither will earn enough votes to make the team. Christina is hurt but then she understands her perspective too. Megan might be right. Maybe the two “different” kids shouldn’t ALWAYS hang out together.
Will Megan and Christina make the cheerleading squad? What will happen to their friendship if only one of them makes it? You will have to read the book to find out.
This graphic novel is a 2023-24 Mrs. Penny book. It is in Sora as an eBook. It is 2 AR points.
My Thoughts and Recommendations (Careful! There May Be spoilers):
Middle school friendships can be difficult especially without clear communication between friends. At first, Christina does not understand why Megan does not want to be her partner at practice. Her heart aches but tries not to let it show or bother her too much. But the pressure and hurt she feels is too much and she blows up at Megan.
After Megan explains her position, Christina forgives her, but it is still a sinking feeling to have this truth laid out. Do her classmates look at her as that different? Would they not put 2 non-white girls on the cheerleading team? Would it diminish the team's look to have both make it? When neither girl makes the team, they are devastated especially because they both aced the tryout. Christina thinks afterwards, “maybe everyone did see them as just too different.” I actually love that they didn’t make the team. It is more realistic that way and the book describes how they pick themselves up and carry on looking for their next new activity. A great coming-of-age novel!
This book shows the impact of racism and exclusion in a very relatable way. I love how the friendship between Christina and Megan has its ups and downs, but the girls work it out with communication, and they probably come out stronger because of it. The bright, descriptive, and sometimes funny pictures help tell the story.
I recommend this for students in 5th-8th grade. 4.8 stars!
