The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat and Joanna Cacao [Graphic Novel]

Christina Soontornvat is the New York Times bestselling author of books for children of all ages. Her picture books include The Ramble Shamble Children, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Lauren Castillo, and To Change a Planet, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Belle. She is the author of the beloved Diary of an Ice Princess chapter book series and the bestselling graphic novel, The Tryout. Christina has received three Newbery Honor awards for her books for middle grade readers, and she is the only author to be awarded Newbery Honors for both fiction and nonfiction in the same year. Her account of the Thai Cave Rescue, All Thirteen, received numerous accolades, including the Kirkus Prize for Young People’s Literature. She travels all over the world to speak to children, writers, and educators about her love of reading and storytelling.

 

 

Christina 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!). 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 currently lives in Tennessee with her husband and two daughters.

 

 

Joanna Cacao is a Canadian Filipino author-illustrator who lives in snowy Winnipeg with her partner and two dogs; Danny and Arya.

Her first published collaboration, THE TRYOUT became an instant #1 Indie Bestseller and has gained starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Shelf Awareness and School Library Journal. Joanna’s author-illustrator debut, THE SECRET OF THE RAVENS gained a star review from School Library Journal, and is a nominee for the 2024 Aurora Awards and the 2025 Northern Lights Awards.

"The plot alone is enough to keep young readers flipping the pages. (I held my breath when the final roster of cheerleaders was announced.) But like all good books about growing pains, this captivating middle-grade gem contains many moments that will resonate with young and old alike." -- The New York Times Book Review

 

 

★ "This superlative graphic memoir is a funny, relatable, and genuine story of friendship and belonging. . . . The jokes, daydreams, and quips are delightful without overshadowing or diminishing the impact of [Christina's] experiences with racism and exclusion. The attractive, expressive illustrations feature clean lines and bright colors. A funny, painfully honest look at a middle schooler finding her way." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

 

 

★ "Soontornvat's lived and emotional experiences come through loud and clear....Cacao's manga-inspired artwork captures every nuanced emotion. . . . Readers of this empowering graphic memoir will want to invite Christina to sit at their table to share food, stories, and the secrets to self-confidence." -- School Library Journal, starred review

 

 

★ "Soontornvat's denouement is genuinely nail-biting, and the girls' earnest love for cheerleading is infectious, despite their experiences with outward prejudice. Via emotive close-ups, Cacao confidently conveys the girls' persistence, fluidly injecting their athletic pursuits with lively energy using bright color palettes and varied character design." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

 

 

★ "Soontornvat's memoir is cringe-worthy in the best possible way. . . . brought to life with gorgeous illustration from self-taught comic artist Joanna Cacao. . . . The Tryout is an inspiring and insightful graphic memoir for anyone who simply wants to fit in." -- Shelf Awareness, starred review

 

 

"The art is delightfully expressive, and the characters' personalities shine in each panel. A standout addition to any graphic autobiography collection." -- Booklist

 

 

"The trials and tribulations that Christina and her friends go through as they try to find their niche in school, including teasing and bullying, are illustrated and told in a way that every middle school student can relate to. The story is told with a sense of humor and captures the poignancy of the emotional rollercoaster that students in middle school experience every day. . . . The illustrations truly enhance the text, giving just enough detail to fill in the events without being distracting or detracting from the story being told." -- School Library Connection, recommended

 

 

"The Tryout beautifully captures the struggles and pressures of wanting to fit in. As a fellow Thai-American, Christina brought a tear to my eye." -- Dan Santat, New York Times bestselling creator of The Aquanaut

Illustrated by: Joanna Cacao
Format: Paperback / softback 272 pages
Publisher: Scholastic US
Imprint: Scholastic US
ISBN: 9781338741261
Published: 8 Dec 2022
Weight: 416g
Dimensions: 140 x 202 x 22 (mm)