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4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
This was a nice little treat to read! I believe this is a story that reflects the author’s life and experiences. A young Asian American girl starts middle school without having any classes with her best friend. There’s some great growing up themes, a little bit of religion, classic middle school struggles, and all around growth. There were some great themes that I didn’t expect and some really good conversation starters for the reader to think about.
This graphic novel rang all my bells. Memoir, small town Texas, friendship, middle school struggles. So much to love.
I'm glad that Soontornvat shared her story because everyone needs to read it. We can all relate even if we did not grow up in dual cultures. We've all felt like fish out of water. I appreciate sharing her specific story and representing so many Asian Texans.
I'm glad that Soontornvat shared her story because everyone needs to read it. We can all relate even if we did not grow up in dual cultures. We've all felt like fish out of water. I appreciate sharing her specific story and representing so many Asian Texans.
This is a perfect middle grade read with all of the awkward moments of being an adolescent mixed with some discrimination and school bullies. I like how this is a memoir from the author and it shows how real people deal with these crazy problems like other tweens and teens every day. It includes a message that we can't always get what we want but to never give up and always work hard and give it our best.
Thank you Scholastic for sharing this wonderful cheerleading graphic novel! I did not know that I was missing cheerleading books in my life until I read this one. Now, I need all of the middle school cheerleading books. What a time to try and be a cheerleader-feeling awkward and uncertain and wanting to be center of attention? Not easy. I loved how Christina Soontornvat included all of those emotions and anxiety that goes with trying something new. I also really liked the illustrations-they were perfect and showed emotions so well. I know my students will love this book!
"So many adults forget how much courage it takes to just be a kid." No truer words written by the author. The pressure to be "popular" is enormous in middle school and Christina Soontornvat hits the bullseye with this incredible Graphic Novel. Reflecting on her own experiences Soontornvat focuses not just on the pressures of popularity, but dealing with racism, acceptance and finding their own identity, trying to fit in, while being terrified of losing the one person she can always count on, her best friend. So many "what if" thoughts go through the minds of middle schoolers. While the GN focuses a lot on the pressure of the cheerleading tryouts, that doesn't detract from the story as a whole. The graphics fit perfectly with the storyline. The facial expressions of hurt and confusion and stress come through the pages. This is one GN that will not stay on my shelves once added to the collection.
I like the autobiographical nature of this graphic novel and the number of important topics it touches on that many kids can relate to.
I feel like everyone should read this. I don't really have much else to say. It was really good, made me cry, will probably make you cry too, and hopefully make you think a little, as well.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Loved this story about Christina, who tried out for cheerleading while battling racism and finding her own identity in 7th grade.