Every 2 weeks or so we’re reviewing books that we found interesting. These books may range from nonfiction to fantasy to informative to escapism. Our hope is that we find something for everyone, and to broaden awareness, access, and information pertaining to sex, sexual health, pleasure, and beyond!
Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier is a graphic novel that follows two high schoolers and their experience on their school cheer team as lesbian and transgender cheerleaders.
When Annie gets in trouble at school for being antisocial, her mom suggests she going to cheerleading team, where the captain is her old best friend, BeBe. The overall story is rushed and the events of the book take place too fast, while some events in the story take place off page, but the representation within the novel is great.
The story discusses various topics such as gender norms, dealing with micro-aggressions, trying out new things, and misguided allyship. The book particularly brought up the concept of misguided but well-meaning allyship and how that can lead to conflicted thoughts for some people. This particular representation is not one that is often portrayed, so it has been refreshing to read about a situation that is extremely common.
This graphic novel would be perfect for anyone looking at a new perspective on transgender teens, a quick read about gender norms or people who enjoy reading about characters trying new sports.