Will I love The Tryout?

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… show more.

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… show more.