Collection
Publication
Oni Press (2021), 128 pages
Description
Comic and Graphic Books. Romance. Young Adult Fiction. LGBTQIA+ (Fiction.) Annie is a smart, antisocial lesbian starting her senior year of high school who's under pressure to join the cheerleading squad to make friends and round out her college applications. Her former friend Bebe is a people-pleaser, a trans girl who must keep her parents happy with her grades and social life in order to maintain their support of her transition. Through the rigors of squad training and amped-up social pressures (not to mention microaggressions and other queer youth problems), the two girls rekindle a friendship they thought they'd lost and discover there may be other, sweeter feelings springing up between them.
Language
Original language
English
User reviews
LibraryThing member bibliovermis
This was a cute story. A couple of girls with very different personalities help each other and learn to incorporate the best parts of the others' worldview, and fall in love. The relationship Beatrice has with her parents was a little underdeveloped or underexplained—there were a lot of comments
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and interactions that were cruel, and weren't at all explained or apologized for. Actually, there were a few things introduced that I thought didn't see quite enough resolution. But the relationship between the girls is perfect, and it was a good story and beautifully drawn. Show Less
LibraryThing member oldandnewbooksmell
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
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.
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
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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 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.
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LibraryThing member villemezbrown
A supercute and sweet story of teen friendship and romance that should appeal to fans of Check, Please! Heavy topics like transphobia, fetishizing, and microaggressions are touched on, and overprotective parents are dealt with, but it stays fun and uplifting as we follow a couple of girls just
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trying to survive high school. More please! Show Less
LibraryThing member ecataldi
A graphic novel for teens about authenticity, defying expectations, and standing up for your friends. It's short and sweet and highlights the growing friendship of Annie, an anti-social, mean girl who is being forced to join the cheerleading teem and Bebe, a trans girl who just wants to make sure
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everyone is happy and comfortable around her - even at the expense of her feelings. This book manages to convey the importance of speaking up for yourself and supporting those who are different from you, not because they are different, but because they are human too, without being preachy or droll. While the two girls are becoming friends they discover that their emotions might run a little deeper. Cute, charming, and wholesome. Show Less
LibraryThing member Salsabrarian
Annie is smart but prickly and doesn't care what other people think. Bebe is a people-pleasing transgender girl who's just been elected cheerleader captain. The two former friends reconnect on the cheer squad and support each other, eventually forming a romantic relationship. A fast-paced and funny
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slice of high school life featuring distinct and relatable protagonists. Show Less
LibraryThing member jennybeast
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
advanced reader's copy provided by Oni Press
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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
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LibraryThing member psalva
This was a sweet high school love story. Perfect for when you just want to read something short and cute.
LibraryThing member tuusannuuska
A timid trans girl and an angry lesbian rekindle their friendship through the power of cheerleading, and maybe fall in love a little along the way, too.
I really appreciated how the story high lighted the micro-aggressions around the main character. How she constantly had to balance with how other
A really good read for someone like me, who doesn't really have any trans people (that I know of) in my own small circle of people, and still consider myself an ally. I'm sure I'd manage to make a lot of the same mistakes that Bebe's friends made, even if I'd never be shitty on purpose.
Highly recommend.
I really appreciated how the story high lighted the micro-aggressions around the main character. How she constantly had to balance with how other
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people's actions made her feel while never being allowed to stop considering how her own actions would be perceived. How the actions and words of even the most ardent ally could be hurtful, no matter how good a place they might have been coming from.A really good read for someone like me, who doesn't really have any trans people (that I know of) in my own small circle of people, and still consider myself an ally. I'm sure I'd manage to make a lot of the same mistakes that Bebe's friends made, even if I'd never be shitty on purpose.
Highly recommend.
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LibraryThing member LibrarianRyan
What a wonderful book. It packs a fantastic and heartfelt message in so few pages. Beebee is a quite trans girl who is active in cheerleading, Annie a hell on wheels personality that just wants to be left alone. However, Annie’s anti-social personality might make it hard to get into college no
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matter how good her grades and test scores. So at her mother’s behest, she joins cheerleading. Annie and Beebee used to be friends, before Beebee transitioned. Their friendship is rekindled through cheer. Annie learns to be more social and get along with people, and Beebee leans to stand up for herself, not just to classmates who think they are doing the right thing, but also to her overprotective parents. This book is just so heartwarming. From page one to the end, a reader wants to know these girls, and be part of the squad. It is so reaffirming to see that the cheer mates, cheer for more than sports. They cheer for their teammates to be the best they can be, and to be themselves. There is everything to love about this book. EVERYTHING. Show Less
LibraryThing member Koralis
I loved the artwork! Very vibrant. I enjoyed the cute fluff. The conflict in this was minimal. I felt relaxed while reading this. I enjoyed the queer representation even if this felt a bit rushed.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
LibraryThing member Briars_Reviews
This book has been popping up EVERYWHERE for me. Reviews, ads, the works! I could hardly believe how much one book popped up so much, and I work in Marketing - I know how that stuff works. I saw it on NetGalley and decided... Why not? I love cheerleading, graphic novels and fun! So it was time for
My Notes:
1. The illustrations are on point! I seriously dig the fun and quirky vibe they give off. It makes the book very engaging, fun and colourful. Props to the illustrators!
2. The first few pages along sum up how I felt about high school: Why did it matter if you could throw a ball good or be super popular? Extracurriculars are great, but sometimes I think colleges need to consider the mental health and overall well being of their students. And anyways, how does being a good basketball player say you'll be a good community member or team player? Most of the people I went to high school with who were in sports were absolute terrors in the post-secondary careers. Something to chew on, I guess.
3. Cheerleading tryout flyer with a pigeon dressed up as a cheerleader - This is my new standard. Good luck meeting it marketing teams. This high school gets it.
4. LGBT representation. We meet a cheer team's 1st transgender cheerleader. I wasn't aware at first, and then it made me proud.
5. Beatrice makes me even more proud with how she stands up for others. I wish we had more strong people like Beatrice around. Gold stars for Beatrice.
6. There are so many good quotes in here. Seriously, these writers also deserve some gold stars. Beatrice can share.
7. Can I smack Beatrice's parents? Transitioning is not "a luxury". Geez Louise. And the other parents who don't treat her well? Seriously, give this girl her rights and stop acting like you're the centre of the universe. This book shows the awful side of humanity really well.
8. There are some super cute and sweet moments that I won't spoil... BUT OMG THIS BOOK. My heart! It feels so real and reminds me of high school, but with some more current issues.
9. I NEED A FOLLOW-UP THIS IS SO SWEET HOLY MOLY.
Anywho, I highly recommend this book. LGBT awareness, high school romance, cheerleading and fun! It's a fast read with lots of spunky high school drama.
Five out of five stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
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me to venture into a quirky adventure!My Notes:
1. The illustrations are on point! I seriously dig the fun and quirky vibe they give off. It makes the book very engaging, fun and colourful. Props to the illustrators!
2. The first few pages along sum up how I felt about high school: Why did it matter if you could throw a ball good or be super popular? Extracurriculars are great, but sometimes I think colleges need to consider the mental health and overall well being of their students. And anyways, how does being a good basketball player say you'll be a good community member or team player? Most of the people I went to high school with who were in sports were absolute terrors in the post-secondary careers. Something to chew on, I guess.
3. Cheerleading tryout flyer with a pigeon dressed up as a cheerleader - This is my new standard. Good luck meeting it marketing teams. This high school gets it.
4. LGBT representation. We meet a cheer team's 1st transgender cheerleader. I wasn't aware at first, and then it made me proud.
5. Beatrice makes me even more proud with how she stands up for others. I wish we had more strong people like Beatrice around. Gold stars for Beatrice.
6. There are so many good quotes in here. Seriously, these writers also deserve some gold stars. Beatrice can share.
7. Can I smack Beatrice's parents? Transitioning is not "a luxury". Geez Louise. And the other parents who don't treat her well? Seriously, give this girl her rights and stop acting like you're the centre of the universe. This book shows the awful side of humanity really well.
8. There are some super cute and sweet moments that I won't spoil... BUT OMG THIS BOOK. My heart! It feels so real and reminds me of high school, but with some more current issues.
9. I NEED A FOLLOW-UP THIS IS SO SWEET HOLY MOLY.
Anywho, I highly recommend this book. LGBT awareness, high school romance, cheerleading and fun! It's a fast read with lots of spunky high school drama.
Five out of five stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
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LibraryThing member bmanglass
3.5, why in gods name doesn’t goodreads have half stars
LibraryThing member reader1009
teen graphic fiction - antisocial lesbian Annie Ginter joins cheer squad to round out her college app, reunites with ex-friend trans people-pleasing cheer captain Beatrice Diaz.
not quite an enemies-to-lovers story, since they seem more like friends who drifted apart (though there is another girl
February2024 bingo challenge: made you laugh, couple on cover, under 290 pages , award winne
not quite an enemies-to-lovers story, since they seem more like friends who drifted apart (though there is another girl
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on the team who had suffered a bite from Annie), but actually a very cute queer rom-com situation, with appropriate conflicts (Bea struggling to deal with overprotective parents and a persistent boy suitor who won't take a hint/keeps harassing her; another student on the squad who decides to come out to their team as nonbinary). This was a joy to read and I'd love to see more.February2024 bingo challenge: made you laugh, couple on cover, under 290 pages , award winne
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