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4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
I really struggled with the first half of this one but it really picked up in the back half. I really related to Christina because I also stuck my foot in my mouth contently as a kid (and still do). Figuring out the right things to say and how to act is hard and I really saw that in this one.
I didn’t realize that this was a biography and I didn’t have any expectations- and I loved it. She does a great job showing the inner dialogue of a teenager, especially a teenager who is experiencing both overt and subtle racism, and how hard it is to find yourself and fit in when you don’t look or act like anyone around you.
Thank you, thank you @scholasticinc for this advance copy. It comes out 9.6.22!
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this relatable graphic novel. It is autobiographical, as the author recounts how it felt growing up as one of the only non-white kids in her small Texas town, and her experience trying out for middle school cheerleading. For me, the whole tryout process seemed absolutely ridiculous; however, in the back matter the author tells the reader that it is how it really went down back then. Aside from that, I adored the story and really think that students will love this one. Hand to fans of Raina Telgemeier and Kayla Miller. And buy multiple for your library, friends.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this relatable graphic novel. It is autobiographical, as the author recounts how it felt growing up as one of the only non-white kids in her small Texas town, and her experience trying out for middle school cheerleading. For me, the whole tryout process seemed absolutely ridiculous; however, in the back matter the author tells the reader that it is how it really went down back then. Aside from that, I adored the story and really think that students will love this one. Hand to fans of Raina Telgemeier and Kayla Miller. And buy multiple for your library, friends.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
A sweet middle-grade graphic memoir that touches (lightly) on what it's like to be an Asian American tween girl in a small town in Texas. I especially loved the moments that focused on friendship and her Thai immigrant family and community.
Christina Soontornvat is amazing at every genre, pretty sure! This graphic memoir is no exception.
What I loved: the realistic portrayal of the ups, downs, and uncertainties of middle school friendships, the angst of trying to figure out where you fit as a tween, and learning more about a sport that we don't see a lot in my area (cheerleading).
Read alikes: Swim Team (Johnnie Christmas), New Kid (Jerry Craft), or Twins (Varian Johnson).
What I loved: the realistic portrayal of the ups, downs, and uncertainties of middle school friendships, the angst of trying to figure out where you fit as a tween, and learning more about a sport that we don't see a lot in my area (cheerleading).
Read alikes: Swim Team (Johnnie Christmas), New Kid (Jerry Craft), or Twins (Varian Johnson).
This was a cute story about a turbulent time in all teens lives: middle school. It dealt with the type of bullying all kids witness and is shown in popular media, like a girl mocked for crying in class. And it showed bullying based on sexual orientation, race, and defying gender norms. Although there was no true HEA, because whose happy ever after happens in middle school, it did end on a note of growth and finding some measure of peace.
Triggers: racism, physical abuse (very brief, to side character), bullying
Triggers: racism, physical abuse (very brief, to side character), bullying