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!

Author: Christina Soontornvat
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Graphix
Published: 11/01/2022
Pages: 272
Weight: 1.4lbs
Size: 8.10h x 5.70w x 1.10d
ISBN: 9781338741308
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.2
Point Value: 2
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 517853 / Tryout


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 08/15/2022
School Library Journal 08/26/2022 pg. 1
Booklist 09/15/2022 pg. 43
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2022 pg. 112
BookPage 11/01/2022
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2022 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author
Christina Soontornvat is a three-time Newbery Honoree, a Sibert Honoree, and a Kirkus Prize winner. Her highly acclaimed backlist includes the middle grade books The Tryout, The Last Mapmaker, A Wish in the Dark, and All Thirteen; the picture book To Change a Planet; and the chapter book series Diary of an Ice Princess and Legends of Lotus Island. Christina lives in Austin, Texas, with her family. You can learn more about her work at soontornvat.com.
Joanna Cacao is a Canadian-Filipino artist and illustrator who lives in Winnipeg with her Pomeranian, Danny. She loves working on magical and fantastical stories. Growing up in front of a TV, Joanna immediately became obsessed with any show or film that had a great story and set of characters. Her favorite shows consist of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Downton Abbey, and Gravity Falls. Her biggest influences come from various manga, as well as Ghibli and Disney films. She has a background in 3D Animation, and has self-published a queer webcomic: Toxic for You.