The Tryout: A Graphic Novel

From two-time Newbery Honoree and Kirkus Prize winner Christina Soontornvat comes a funny and relatable graphic memoir about courage and competition, friendship and belonging, and learning to feel comfortable in your own skin. Perfect for fans of The New Kid and Rollergirl.

Trying out for middle school cheerleader means:

performing in the giant school gym,

with the whole school watching,

and risking total humiliation.

If Christina can make it through this,

she can make it through anything.

As one of the only Asian American kids in her small Texas town, Christina just wants to fit in. Luckily, her best friend, Megan, who is Iranian American, can totally relate. The two girls have always been inseparable and relish creating elaborate fantasy worlds together. But middle school is a reality-check, and suddenly popularity is way more important than playing pretend.

When cheerleading tryouts are announced, Christina and Megan literally jump at the chance to join the squad. But does fitting in actually equal belonging? Will they make the cut and survive the terrifying tryouts? And most importantly, will their friendship pull through the pressures of heated competition and rivalry?

Hilarious and highly relatable, The Tryout will make you laugh, cry, and cheer!