Reviews with content warning for Misogyny - Cheer Up! Love and Pompoms

This was a sweet and fluffy sapphic romance. I loved how healthy Bebe and Annie’s relationship was and that they were good communicators. I also appreciated the exploration of microaggressions that were inflicted on Bebe. However, I wish that cheerleading featured more than it did in the story, and I thought that the Bebe and Annie’s romantic relationship was a little rushed.

I would have liked to find out why they grew apart for two years prior to the events of this novel. Moreover, I would have liked a better apology from the squad, who were quite transphobic.

Content Warnings

heytherekaity's review

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

sapphicread's review

Go to review page

funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This is such a cute, lighthearted story, I really enjoyed it! The graphics were really pretty and I loved the vibrancy of the colors, as well as the contrast in scenes that were more serious than others.

Bebe is a sweetheart. The novel shows her struggle with speaking up for herself and learning when to say no because she doesn’t want the label of “that trans girl”. Her growth is beautiful to see.

Annie is the opposite. She’s very opinionated, has no problem speaking out and shutting people down, but her delivery methods usually make her come off as aggressive and mean. I really loved her character and the fact that she took the time to listen to Bebe, so she didn’t overstep on boundaries.

Their relationship was so adorable. Ugh I’m a sucker for fluff.

Cons:
Some of these aren’t too big, but just stood out for me.

Bebe and Annie’s progress from friends to lovers was a little fast, but the novel is pretty short so that was understandable.

The lack of resolution with the transphobic comments made by some of the cheerleaders. I felt it should’ve at least been addressed in some way.

Bebe’s father suddenly being really understanding, which like yeah good for Bebe, but I think it conflicted with the way he was originally characterized. Do I think development was necessary? Yeah absolutely. But I just think it happened too fast.

Overall, I really did love this. I think it’s the perfect sapphic romance for anyone who needs a pick me up. I’ll definitely be recommending this to friends!

Final Rating: 4.5 ⭐️

Thank you Netgalley and Oni Press for the ARC.

Rep: trans, wlw

Content Warnings

pseudoliterature's review

Go to review page

emotional funny informative inspiring lighthearted reflective tense

4.5

This is such a lovely story! it deals with some good conversations about the transitioning experience, microaggressions, hurtful overprotection of parents, performative allyship and how more often than not it blatantly ignores the voices of the people who are trying to <i>just exist</i>.

I would've loved to see more discussions and development in page about transphobic comments made by the friends of the protagonist, they were never openly addressed in the story which made it feel a little bit rush within the conflict resolution part of it, but I do like how obvious they were on page, and how they show the shallowness of their allyship.

Pretty good story in general, a bit rushed for all what intended to do, but I do appreciate what it did.

Content Warnings

racheleanne06's review

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is a sapphic graphic novel about two girls who find their family in a cheerleading squad. One of the girls, BeeBee, is a POC trans female, who is struggling to find her voice and her place in the world. The other character, Annie is an antisocial plus-sized lesbian who needs to round off her college application by making friends and trying out an extra curricular activity.

It’s a story about friendship, romance and learning to love yourself, set to the background of a high school cheerleading squad. It’s described as being perfect for fans of Fence and Check, Please. Which just so happen to be two of my favourite graphic novels of all time.

This comic, although light and enjoyable, doesn’t stray away from hard topics such as transphobia, fatphobia, toxic masculinity, and harassment. But it’s done in a way that’s subtle but powerful, making this the perfect read for it’s intended teen audience. It reminds us that we should never be afraid to be who we are, and it also tells us how much words can hurt.

At 128 pages this graphic novel is a really short read, and although I love that it was quick, and could be read in one setting, part of me hopes that it isn’t a standalone. I want to delve more into BeeBee and Annie’s story, as well as learn more about the awesome, diverse, side-characters in the Cheerleading Squad.

I also want to mention that the art in this graphic novel is stunning, and very expressive!

SUMMARY

Cheer Up is the perfect book to curl up with at the end of the day. It’s wholesome, engaging and beautifully diverse. And it can be read in one sitting!

Content Warnings

More...