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The Tryout #2
The Squad
Break out your pom poms! The highly anticipated, stand-alone companion to the instant #1 bestseller The Tryout promises even more cheer, higher stakes, and relatable middle-school drama. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier.
STEP UP. COMMIT. FOLLOW THROUGH.
After the crushing disappointment of not making the cheerleading squad, Christina and her besties, Megan and Leanne, are thrilled to discover they can try out again in eighth grade. Christina is more confident this She dresses in her own style and has amazing friends, even her first crush. But what if the girls don't all make the squad? Worse than that, Christina learns her parents' marriage is collapsing. Suddenly, her family, her future, and her identity seem in total freefall. Can Christina keep it together and still make her cheerleading dreams come true?
This high-flying, heart-filled story will make you laugh harder, cry more, and cheer louder than ever!
STEP UP. COMMIT. FOLLOW THROUGH.
After the crushing disappointment of not making the cheerleading squad, Christina and her besties, Megan and Leanne, are thrilled to discover they can try out again in eighth grade. Christina is more confident this She dresses in her own style and has amazing friends, even her first crush. But what if the girls don't all make the squad? Worse than that, Christina learns her parents' marriage is collapsing. Suddenly, her family, her future, and her identity seem in total freefall. Can Christina keep it together and still make her cheerleading dreams come true?
This high-flying, heart-filled story will make you laugh harder, cry more, and cheer louder than ever!
288 pages, Hardcover
Published November 12, 2024
About the author
Christina Soontornvat
36 books646 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 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 15, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Even though she didn't make the 8th grade cheerleading squad, Christina is having a good year. She still practices the cheer routines with her good friends Megan and Leanne, has a crush on the very cute Andy, is taking home ec, and is very excited about her new art project, which she is working on with a group. It's sculptures of toes, which seems perfectly reasonable for a middle school art project! She still hangs out with Greg (whom she "loves but doesn't 'like'"), and avoids the racist Tobin, who isn't quite as bad as he's been in the past, although his friends still call Christina "rice girl" and other horrible names. While Christina is the only Asian in her small Texas town, when she goes to church and hangs out with other Thai students, she still doesn't feel like she fits in, since she is half Thai and doesn't speak the language. While her life is going pretty well, there is some tension, since her parents' restaurant isn't doing as well as they would like, and her parents are arguing a lot. When it turns out that there will be THREE spots on the high school cheer squad, the friends are sure that they can try out and get them, and that this would be the thing that would make life absolutely perfect. Of course, life changes quickly, and when her father moves out, Christina tries to tell herself that her parents are just separating. Since one of her favorite movies is the Hayley Mills' version of The Parent Trap, she's determined to get her parents back together, and doesn't really listen to what they have to say. Eventually, her parents tell her that it's a done deal; they are divorcing, and the mom sells her half of the house and the restaurant business to the dad. She gets a job, but it's in the nearest large town, and rents an apartment. This is a lot to deal with while tryouts are going on, and it's a big relief when Christina and Megan make the high school squad. Sadly, Leanne doesn't, and this causes a temporary rift. Christina is angry about her parents, and also bears some resentment towards the people who want to be her friend now that she's a cheerleader. Why didn't they want to be her friend before? This causes her to be a bit snotty to others. She's excited about cheerleading camp, but it's a lot of work, and eventually her feelings bubble to the surface and she shares them with her new squad. This helps a little, and while life isn't perfect, it's still pretty good.
Strengths: I was glad that we had a firm date when this took place: 1994. The historical details are quite good; there's even a stress ball that Megan has that reminded me of one that my students gave me in 1993! The relationships are more strongly portrayed than in other graphic novels I have read, and I especially liked the fact that Christina and Andy go out to the mall on a date... and she finds out that they really don't have much in common! The arc of the divorce seems very realistic, and I imagine that there are a lot of students who delude themselves that their parents will get back together when this won't ever happen. I liked that she was able to discuss this with other classmates, like Andy, whose parents were also divorced. Since I am also a huge Gene Kelly fan, I was greatly amused by her love of this fantastic movie star; maybe tweens will investigate some of his work. There is an undercurrent of racial identity that is worked in nicely as well. There are not as many middle grade novels about cheerleading as you would imagine, and the first book has circulated well in my library.
Weaknesses: Sure, I know in my heart of hearts that the cheerleaders who were mean to me when I was in middle and high school probably were mean because they were deeply wounded individuals and I should feel sorry for them, but since several of them were still nasty to me at our 40th class reunion, this is hard to believe. We can only hope that cheerleaders today are not as elitist. And snotty.
What I really think: I love the variety of Soontornvat's writing; she's done nonfiction (All Thirteen, Made in Asian America), fantasy (Legends of Lotus Island and Time After Time), alternative history (The Last Mapmaker), and even a picture book biography (A Life of Service: The Story of Senator Tammy Duckworth)! I'd love to see her do more funny, realistic fiction, but it will just be fun to see what she turns her hand to next!
Even though she didn't make the 8th grade cheerleading squad, Christina is having a good year. She still practices the cheer routines with her good friends Megan and Leanne, has a crush on the very cute Andy, is taking home ec, and is very excited about her new art project, which she is working on with a group. It's sculptures of toes, which seems perfectly reasonable for a middle school art project! She still hangs out with Greg (whom she "loves but doesn't 'like'"), and avoids the racist Tobin, who isn't quite as bad as he's been in the past, although his friends still call Christina "rice girl" and other horrible names. While Christina is the only Asian in her small Texas town, when she goes to church and hangs out with other Thai students, she still doesn't feel like she fits in, since she is half Thai and doesn't speak the language. While her life is going pretty well, there is some tension, since her parents' restaurant isn't doing as well as they would like, and her parents are arguing a lot. When it turns out that there will be THREE spots on the high school cheer squad, the friends are sure that they can try out and get them, and that this would be the thing that would make life absolutely perfect. Of course, life changes quickly, and when her father moves out, Christina tries to tell herself that her parents are just separating. Since one of her favorite movies is the Hayley Mills' version of The Parent Trap, she's determined to get her parents back together, and doesn't really listen to what they have to say. Eventually, her parents tell her that it's a done deal; they are divorcing, and the mom sells her half of the house and the restaurant business to the dad. She gets a job, but it's in the nearest large town, and rents an apartment. This is a lot to deal with while tryouts are going on, and it's a big relief when Christina and Megan make the high school squad. Sadly, Leanne doesn't, and this causes a temporary rift. Christina is angry about her parents, and also bears some resentment towards the people who want to be her friend now that she's a cheerleader. Why didn't they want to be her friend before? This causes her to be a bit snotty to others. She's excited about cheerleading camp, but it's a lot of work, and eventually her feelings bubble to the surface and she shares them with her new squad. This helps a little, and while life isn't perfect, it's still pretty good.
Strengths: I was glad that we had a firm date when this took place: 1994. The historical details are quite good; there's even a stress ball that Megan has that reminded me of one that my students gave me in 1993! The relationships are more strongly portrayed than in other graphic novels I have read, and I especially liked the fact that Christina and Andy go out to the mall on a date... and she finds out that they really don't have much in common! The arc of the divorce seems very realistic, and I imagine that there are a lot of students who delude themselves that their parents will get back together when this won't ever happen. I liked that she was able to discuss this with other classmates, like Andy, whose parents were also divorced. Since I am also a huge Gene Kelly fan, I was greatly amused by her love of this fantastic movie star; maybe tweens will investigate some of his work. There is an undercurrent of racial identity that is worked in nicely as well. There are not as many middle grade novels about cheerleading as you would imagine, and the first book has circulated well in my library.
Weaknesses: Sure, I know in my heart of hearts that the cheerleaders who were mean to me when I was in middle and high school probably were mean because they were deeply wounded individuals and I should feel sorry for them, but since several of them were still nasty to me at our 40th class reunion, this is hard to believe. We can only hope that cheerleaders today are not as elitist. And snotty.
What I really think: I love the variety of Soontornvat's writing; she's done nonfiction (All Thirteen, Made in Asian America), fantasy (Legends of Lotus Island and Time After Time), alternative history (The Last Mapmaker), and even a picture book biography (A Life of Service: The Story of Senator Tammy Duckworth)! I'd love to see her do more funny, realistic fiction, but it will just be fun to see what she turns her hand to next!
April 20, 2024
Book 2 in The Tryout MG graphic novel series by @csoontornvat
📣
After Christina doesn’t make the cheer squad in seventh grade, she and her friends try to rally again in the hopes of trying out in eighth grade. In the midst of all their practicing, Christina’s life at home begins to change. Her dad moves out and Christina is left wondering why her parents can’t just make it work. Between tryouts, divorce talk, friend drama, a first crush, fitting in, and an identity crisis, Christina has her hands full before freshman year.
📣
I absolutely adored The Tryout because I saw so much of myself on the pages. Christina and I are around the same age, both cheerleaders in middle school and since it’s set during that time of the 90s, it’s a total throwback for me. When one of my students didn’t make cheer this year, I gave her #book 1 to read after chatting with her and she resonated so much with Christina’s story as well. I can’t wait to chat with her about this title next week at #nttbf24! Also be sure to check out the photos in the back! I might have some similar hair choices in my albums as well 😂 The Squad releases from @graphixbooks November 12.
CW: racism, microaggressions, misogyny, divorce (theme)
📣
After Christina doesn’t make the cheer squad in seventh grade, she and her friends try to rally again in the hopes of trying out in eighth grade. In the midst of all their practicing, Christina’s life at home begins to change. Her dad moves out and Christina is left wondering why her parents can’t just make it work. Between tryouts, divorce talk, friend drama, a first crush, fitting in, and an identity crisis, Christina has her hands full before freshman year.
📣
I absolutely adored The Tryout because I saw so much of myself on the pages. Christina and I are around the same age, both cheerleaders in middle school and since it’s set during that time of the 90s, it’s a total throwback for me. When one of my students didn’t make cheer this year, I gave her #book 1 to read after chatting with her and she resonated so much with Christina’s story as well. I can’t wait to chat with her about this title next week at #nttbf24! Also be sure to check out the photos in the back! I might have some similar hair choices in my albums as well 😂 The Squad releases from @graphixbooks November 12.
CW: racism, microaggressions, misogyny, divorce (theme)
May 27, 2024
“The Squad” is a heartfelt story that beautifully captures the ups and downs of being a teen about to embark on a new adventure while changes happening behind the scenes are affecting Christina’s home life. Christina, faces the heartbreak of not making the cheerleading squad. Alongside her supportive friends, Megan and Leanne, she eagerly looks forward to a second chance in eighth grade. This time, Christina feels more self-assured, embracing her unique style and enjoying the company of her amazing friends and first crush. However, the story takes a deeper turn when Christina discovers her parents' marriage is falling apart. The turmoil at home threatens to unravel her sense of stability and self-identity.
Christina Soontornvat masterfully weaves together the challenges of friendship, family, and personal growth in a narrative that resonates with readers of all ages. Christina's journey is a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination required to pursue one's dreams amidst life's uncertainties.
“The Squad” is not just about cheerleading; it's about finding strength in the face of adversity and holding onto hope when everything seems to be falling apart. Christina's story will inspire readers to believe in themselves and the power of perseverance. Highly recommended for anyone who has ever faced setbacks and still dared to dream. I really wish this book was around when I was the same age. My parents split up during that time and I recall how I kept it a secret for so long, feeling shame, even though it had nothing to do with me. Soontornvat words and illustrations reflected exactly the same frustration I felt at that age. Can’t wait to share this one with the world!
Christina Soontornvat masterfully weaves together the challenges of friendship, family, and personal growth in a narrative that resonates with readers of all ages. Christina's journey is a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination required to pursue one's dreams amidst life's uncertainties.
“The Squad” is not just about cheerleading; it's about finding strength in the face of adversity and holding onto hope when everything seems to be falling apart. Christina's story will inspire readers to believe in themselves and the power of perseverance. Highly recommended for anyone who has ever faced setbacks and still dared to dream. I really wish this book was around when I was the same age. My parents split up during that time and I recall how I kept it a secret for so long, feeling shame, even though it had nothing to do with me. Soontornvat words and illustrations reflected exactly the same frustration I felt at that age. Can’t wait to share this one with the world!
September 2, 2024
The way Soontornvat has put her life out there for other middle schoolers to experience in these middle grade graphic novels have been nothing short of amazing-- the connections that any reader can make to embarrassing, sweet, frustrating, and delightful experiences are all wrapped up in a perfect bow. Her parents decide to divorce which upsets Christina. She has a chance to try out again for the cheerleading squad... and makes it. Friendships. A love interest and smooch. A toe-tastic art project.
This glimpse into her world is what endears all readers to her whether we're young or old. And her note was pitch-perfect at the end. The complimentary art of the graphic novel pairs perfectly to the tone of the memoir. Can't wait to shout about this one from the rooftops!
This glimpse into her world is what endears all readers to her whether we're young or old. And her note was pitch-perfect at the end. The complimentary art of the graphic novel pairs perfectly to the tone of the memoir. Can't wait to shout about this one from the rooftops!
November 1, 2024
My 9 year old read this, gave it to me and said, "daddy I think you should read this it's really good."
Who am I to disappoint her? The Squad follows Christina on her quest to make the cheerleading squad after not making it the year before. And how do you fit in with a new group of friends you perceived differently?
Solid graphic novel, quick read for adults, appropriate for 8 and up.
Who am I to disappoint her? The Squad follows Christina on her quest to make the cheerleading squad after not making it the year before. And how do you fit in with a new group of friends you perceived differently?
Solid graphic novel, quick read for adults, appropriate for 8 and up.
October 10, 2024
For a graphic novel about cheerleading, this book hits really hard in the feels department. Definitely a good follow up to the first book.
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November 15, 2024Gosh, I just love Christina Soontornvat🥹 The ending of this book was SO sweet and the author's note was lovely💕✨️
November 16, 2024
2.5 Sophomore slump. Not as good as the first one. Kind of on the depressing side. I mean there were some uplifting moments. I definitely recommend the first one, this one you could probably pass on.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews