Crystal Frasier

It was, in fact, adorable. It's high school. Anne is a very smart, high achieving but antisocial senior, pressured by her mom to join the cheerleading squad to round out her college applications. Her ex-friend Bebe is a recently out trans girl who has become super popular and is about to be elected cheer captain. It looks like it is going to be a classic grumpy-sunshine, except Bebe is a people-pleaser with overbearing parents who avoids anything that looks like confrontation. Annie has show more never met a confrontation she didn't like and is known for biting people (one time!). So they are good for each other in interesting, complicated ways, and yes, they do catch feelings.

There is some trans-misogyny here, so it isn't all hearts and pompoms, but it is dealt with in a light hand. Would be appropriate for both high school and middle grade students. show less

Trigger Warnings: Transphobia

Annie is a smart, antisocial lesbian under pressure to be a part of a team for her senior year of high school - to both makes friends and round out her college applications. Her mom convinces her to try out for the cheerleading squad. Beebee, a trans girl, is a people pleaser who must keep her parents happy with her grades and social life in order to keep their support on her transition. Through cheer squad training, Annie and Beebee reconnect their old show more friendship and together, they must tackle social pressures, micro aggressions, and other queer youth struggles, all while discovering there may be something else springing up between them.

What wonderful messages this graphic novel has! It's way more than cheerleading; this story is entertaining as well as eye opening. It talks about what it means to be trans and how one can be a better ally, even for those who think they're the best ally. It's definitely a book I wish was around when I was growing up and first learning about the LGBTQ community.

Though the book was fast paced, everything was well developed and you got to learn and understand both the main characters. Annie and Beebee had great character development and they both learned from each other. I also loved the team dynamic and the growth they all had together as they began trusting one another.

Kudos for the parents in this novel as well. Annie's mom was probably my favorite parental figure by how supportive she is of Annie and who she is. Beebee's Dad has a good moment as well in the storyline.

Overall, this graphic novel was lighthearted and fluffy - even while dealing with some tough subject matter. I would highly recommend this to fans of adorable romances as well as those who would like to see some great representation. show less

OMG!!!!! What an absolute squishy delight of a book. eeeeeeeee! Not only does it feature a very sweet teen romance, but it's all about learning how to be good to the people around you and how to stand up to yourself and cheerleading and queer girlies. Also super supportive families (sometimes over supportive), and trans main character and the BEST cheer squad. All the hearts, it's wonderful!!!! And the ART is Fabulous!

advanced reader's copy provided by Oni Press

Ok, honest to God! I knew this would be good but it surpassed my expectations… It's not perfect, but definitely great and worth reading!

There are two main characters in focus here: Annie, an antisocial lesbian who joins the cheerleading team in an effort to add team activities to her resume, and Bebe, a trans girl who is struggling to keep her parents happy with her grades and to maintain her new identity without being the centre of attention. Both the characters are depicted in a show more realistic way that will make you identify with their struggles irrespective of your gender or sexual preferences.

The way the story deals with insecurities, friendship, team spirit, and love is really commendable. There are so many lessons imbued within the straightforward storyline. The LGBTQIA representation is accurately depicted. I just wish the story hadn’t been so rushed. With just 123 pages and a lot to tell, the romance part of the plot seems too quick and abrupt. But this is also because I enjoyed the book so much that I wanted it to last longer. About 20-30 pages more would have been good enough to pace out the story.

Though the book is a standalone, it certainly has the potential to have a sequel. I would certainly like to see more of these characters.

I can’t let the review go by without mentioning the illustrations. They are fantabulous! It was a pleasure to read a graphic novel with not a single character drawn stereotypically. Especially when you think of cheerleaders, you know what kind of image comes to your head. Well, you won’t find a single cheerleader in this book fitting that mental picture. I adored this factor in the book.

Go for this for a light yet thought-provoking read.

Thank you, NetGalley and Oni Press, for the Advanced Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

It's a 4.5 from me.

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