Tryouts by Sarah Sax

Tryouts by Sarah Sax. Alfred A. Knopf, 2024. 9780593306925






Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 3



Format : Hardcover graphic novel



Genre: Realistic fiction



What did you like about the book? This book is the second in the series The Brinkley Yearbooks. In this story, Alexandra ‘Al’ Olsen is an excellent baseball player who shares the love of the sport with her family. Al tries out for her middle school baseball team, which has historically been boys only. She and her friends get together to advocate for her presence on the team, and the adults in the book are supportive. Al, her friends, and teammates also work together to shift the community’s focus to the school’s winning all-girl basketball team. There are many side characters, one of whom is the main character in the series’ first book. All of the side characters are witty, charming, and supportive. This book is full of sports action, with strong messages about teamwork, advocacy and following one’s interests. The illustrations are lively and robust. Anything you didn’t like about it? No 



To whom would you recommend this book? Children 8-12 years, 3rd-6th grade, especially those who enjoy sports.



Who should buy this book? Public libraries, elementary schools



Where would you shelve it? 741.5/graphic novels Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? No



Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Nutan Mathew, Margaret A. Neary Elementary, Southborough, MA 



Date of review: June 2, 2024