Book cover of The Tryout

Book description

A graphic novel about friendship, belonging and feeling
comfortable in your own skin!
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…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked The Tryout as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

One of my favorite things about sports (and sports stories) for kids—and especially AFAB, queer, and nonbinary kids—is how they teach us to unapologetically take up space. To own our lanes (in derby speak) and support each other physically and emotionally through life’s trials.

As I learned through joining the roller derby community later in life, belonging to a team isn’t just about being “recruited” or “making it” past tryouts. It’s also about learning how to belong in your own skin, rely on your own strengths, and become an indispensable member of your community.

This story perfectly encompasses these lessons…

Nothing frustrates me more than parents who police their kid’s reading and claim that graphic novels are not “real” books. Although there a million reasons why this argument is bogus (ie, studies that show how graphic novels can expand critical thinking, etc.), the best argument I’ve found to fight this misguided thinking is to hand these parents a book like The Tryout. It’s about growing up Asian American in a small town in Texas, trying to fit in when you feel different than everyone around you, and about finding your voice in ways you didn’t expect. It’s funny and…

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Book cover of Those That Wake

Those That Wake by Jesse Karp,

Mal's older brother has disappeared into thin air. Laura's parents went away for the weekend and when she gives them a call, they have no idea who she is. In pursuit of answers, the teens become entangled with two others similarly targeted by a force they don't understand and now,…

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