The Squad by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Joanna Cacao. (Graphix, 288 pages, grades 4-8). Christina continues the memoir she began in The Tryout. Now an eighth grader, she feels like her life is good, with close friends, interesting classes, and a fun group of fellow artists who are working on a group project. But she … Continue reading A couple last graphic novels from 2024
The Squad by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Joanna Cacao. (Graphix, 288 pages, grades 4-8). Christina continues the memoir she began in The Tryout. Now an eighth grader, she feels like her life is good, with close friends, interesting classes, and a fun group of fellow artists who are working on a group project. But she and her friends Megan and Leanne still watch the cheerleaders longingly, and when they learn that there will be spots available in the ninth grade squad, they decide to try out once again. In the midst of their preparations, Christina gets the devastating news that her parents are divorcing. She’s determined to put on a happy face and continue with her cheering, and she and Megan–but not Leanne–make the squad. Her sadness and anger catch up with her eventually, but heart-to-heart talks with her parents and her friends help her to be more honest about how she’s feeling. “I didn’t need my life to be perfect,” Christina concludes. “I just needed my squad.” Includes a three-page author’s note in which Soontornvat talks more about her eighth grade life and several photographs from her and some of the friends and family members in the book.
I’m a big fan of The Tryout, so I was excited to see this sequel, and it did not disappoint. It does feel a bit heavier than the first book, with its explorations of divorce and the emotions it brings, as well as some scenes in which Christina deals with casual racism from her classmates and the way being biracial can make her feel like she doesn’t belong anywhere. Definitely for fans of Raina Telgemeier’s memoirs who may be ready for something a little meatier, as well as, of course, fans of The Tryout.
Warriors Graphic Novel: The Prophecies Begin by Erin Hunter, adapted and illustrated by Natalie Riess and Sara Goetter (HarperAlley, 272 pages, grades 3-7). Anyone who works in a school or children’s library knows that this series about warring cat clans has a devoted fan base, and no doubt the graphic adaptation will add to that. Book 1 tells the story of a young cat who starts life as a domesticated “kittypet” named Rusty but becomes a promising young warrior called Firestar. I only read the first 40 pages, but it’s well done, capturing the spirit of the chapter books with both the storytelling and the art. Book 2 is due out in April.
