Crystal Frasier

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 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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