The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat & illustrations by Joanna Cacao

The Tryout: A Graphic Novel by Christina Soontornvat
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this because it was a Nerdie Award Winner for 2022 and it was such a great middle school graphic novel with awesome illustrations by Joanna Cacao! Based on Christina's life (she is Asian American) like her best friend Megan, life gets chaotic when they decide to tryout for the cheerleading team in 7th grade. There are those friends who are supportive and other students with their racist remarks. Readers will love the fierce inner musings of Christina as she questions everything while falling in love with cheerleading, making new friends, and chasing dreams. Highly receommended!!!

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The Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe

The Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love the journey of Canadian Norris Kaplan, hockey player, Haitian American, snarky, and moving to Austin, TX. His guidance counselor asks him to keep a journal of his observations of this new world, thus the title of the book. His ruminations, his real life interactions into the high school world, and just life in general all go into the field guide. Funny most of the time, but Norris' thoughts and mouth continues to get him in trouble. A thoroughly enjoyable read!

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