The Tryout

Nonfiction | Graphic Memoir | Middle Grade | Published in 2022

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 1

Chapters 2-4

Chapters 5-6

Chapters 7-8

Key Figures

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Beta

Discussion Questions

Key Figures

Christina

Christina Soontornvat is the central figure in her memoir of seventh grade and the cheerleading tryouts that changed her outlook on herself and of the world. When Christina starts seventh grade, she feels out of place, overwhelmed, and confused. She relies heavily on her best friend Megan, who already seems to be drifting away. Christina notices everyone dresses the same and discovers that she wants to be popular after watching the cheerleaders perform at a football game. She loves to read and has a love of fantasy and adventure that plays out in her head as she reflects on her circumstances and imagines how she wishes her life to be.

Christina’s outlook is highly negative throughout most of the seventh grade, as it is clear she has yet to figure out how to be her own pillar of support. While her parents are always there for her, they cannot guide her through the daily experiences of school, and Christina cannot rely on Megan anymore either. By joining the cheerleading tryouts, Christina makes an unexpected decision to take a risk. She feels the weight of The Desire to Fit In and Feel Understood, which is something all humans crave but which is particularly intense during the middle school years as children enter adolescence. Christina puts all her effort and focus into cheerleading, and starts to feel jealous of Megan, who appears to be a natural.

When Christina doesn’t make the cheerleading squad, she takes it hard at first but soon finds the strength to discover her own path and where she can feel the sense of accomplishment and acceptance that she wants. Christina realizes that she is a natural storyteller and has a gift for entertaining and moving her audience. She starts to let go of things that held her back, like being affected by Tobin’s bullying or worrying that Megan isn’t always around. Christina even wins a speaking contest, proving to herself that she is capable of success. Although Christina doesn’t make the squad, she grows and uncovers more about her identity and what makes her truly happy.

Megan

Megan is Christina’s best friend: “I had other friends, but none like Megan” (21). She is funny and understanding, and because her father is also an immigrant, Megan and Christina share an experience that few others in Grangeview have. Christina felt out of place and lost when she came to Grangeview in third grade, and nobody seemed interested in being her friend. Megan was on her own as well, and asked Christina to be best friends without condition or question. Christina’s memories see her and Megan playing make believe together and acting out dramatic or funny skits. Their bond was unbreakable but begins to change when the girls entered middle school. Both Megan and Christina feel The Desire to Fit In and Feel Understood, interpreting this as popularity. In the story, Megan is more willing to take the risks that may result in her popularity, consequently leading Christina down the same path.

Christina always thought that she and Megan would be inseparable forever and feels threatened and jealous when Megan makes new friends. Christina and Megan try out for cheerleading together, but Megan chooses a different partner, forcing Christina to step out of her comfort zone and meet someone new. Megan’s gymnastic skills make her a sure choice for the cheerleading team, but neither she nor Christina makes it. As they approach the end of seventh grade, the girls begin to find their own paths and go separate ways, although their bond remains. The story between Megan and Christina shows How Growth Changes Friendship and demonstrates the natural evolution of relationships as children turn into adults.

Christina’s Mom and Dad

Christina’s parents are a huge part of her world. She admires them both and does not experience any conflict with her parents, so they act as pillars of support and consistency in Christina’s life. Christina comes from a background of mixed descent, with her father being Thai and her mother being white. This blended heritage is what makes Christina who she is, and part of her growth is in discovering that these aspects of her life need not be separate. Christina’s dad immigrated to the United States when he was 19 with the dream of a better life, and he achieved this by opening a Chinese-style restaurant in a small town where none existed. Christina’s dad seems to have no problems with fitting in and making friends, and Christina aspires to be the same way. She makes the mistake of mocking Thai culture after seeing her dad do something similar, and it backfires on her. When Christina experiences racism or other upsetting events, her parents are there for her and always see the best in the situation. It is Christina’s dad who reminds her that life doesn’t always work out the way people plan, and Christina’s mom who reminds her that most people are kind and open, rather than bigoted and hateful.

Tobin

Tobin is the antagonist in Christina’s life. He is her classmate and has known Christina since elementary school. When middle school begins, Tobin carries over previous habits of bullying and harassing Christina by calling her “rice girl” and telling her to go back to “where she came from.” Christina is deeply upset and even disturbed by Tobin’s racist comments and the way that he goes out of his way to make her feel miserable. Christina turns to her mother for support in handling people who are racist, and Christina’s mother encourages her to focus on those who make her feel loved and appreciated instead. Christina lacks confidence when she begins middle school, and bullies like Tobin make matters worse. When Christina sees Tobin being dropped off by his dad one morning, it becomes clear that Tobin learned how to bully others from his father. Christina begins to pity Tobin and stops allowing his nasty words to affect her like they did before. She still has The Desire to Fit In and Feel Understood, but she no longer concerns herself with people who refuse to give her that.