I really enjoyed this cute and inclusive story. It was so very believable and amazing to follow this team of cheerleaders having to grapple with their various identities. I would absolutely recommend!

Cheer Up! is an adorable graphic centred around friendships, gender and identity and self-acceptance.

When angry Annie joins the cheerleading squad to make her college applications look more desirable, almost no one is happy about it - including her. The only person on the squad willing to give Annie a chance is her former friend, Bebe, a trans girl and all-round people pleaser.

I loved watching Bebe teach Annie to be more soft and vulnerable while Annie helps Bebe to stand up for herself. It was a really sweet dynamic. We do have the beginning of a romance between these two characters but it was a definite sub-plot, with their friendship taking up more space in the book. There's also a lot of conversation in here about what it means to be an ally.

I loved how diverse the cast was, even at the most basic visual level, we have a cheerleading team with girls of all sizes and body shapes. It was so positive to see.

There were times when the writing made me feel a little lost, as though this was a sequel and I had missed the first book (I actually stopped reading midway to check if this was the case). This is the only reason that I can't give it five stars as I thoroughly enjoyed every other aspect and hope for more graphic novels with these characters!

Highly recommend if you enjoyed Heartstopper, The Avant-Guards and Check, Please!

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this graphic novel.

[The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]

"Cheer up" is probably the cutest sapphic lovestory I ever read! I loved the characters, the trans representation was great and the ending was soo adorable <3 Please pre-order this book if you can!

It was a sweet rom-com short graphic novel, about two girls on a cheerleading team. Annie is being there only for the credits for uni, and Bebe, a transgender girl and their love. Both of them learned during the book about love and acceptance, it was really heart-warming to read this.
The characters were diverse and lively, and I loved that they were not the typical cheerleader type of girls. The graphic has really suited the story. I liked it very much, it was so wholesome to read.

This was such a delight to read!! The art style was super fun and colorful and it helped enhance the story telling very well! I couldn't help but to root for Anne and Bebe throughout this book and I loved how their relationship blossomed and grew throughout the story. It was absolutely heartwarming and delightful how this story ended. I also like how it showed Bebe getting through high school and dealing with some unfortunate transphobia but it made the story more realistic. I loved the elements of friendship, helping others, discovering yourself, trying something new and the family dynamic among the cheerleading squad!

Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Cheer Up: Love and Pom-Poms in exchange for an honest review.

This book has turned me to absolute mush. Crystal Frasier really knows how to use every panel to make you feel something and I felt like every moment I was reading something important, insightful, or just so gosh darn cute that I was unable to cope with it. The art style suits it really well but in particular, I want to high five whoever decided how drastic the height difference between Bebe and Annie was going to be because it was giving me LIFE.

This was SO cute and just what I needed right now! The characters were so well developed in a short amount of time and I felt so connected to them. I was a cheerleader growing up as well & definitely felt out of place because of my appearance sometimes, gosh would I have loved a friend like Bebe there by my side to help me through it all! I can't wait to be able to recommend this graphic novel to all of my teacher friends because I think it is an absolute MUST for any classroom. It's never too late to learn a little love and compassion for people who aren't exactly like you.

Everyone needs a soft sapphic graphic novel in their life.

Cheer Up is so cute! It follows a high school cheer team, and more particularly Annie, who just joined, and Bebe, the team captain.
It's all about friendship, being true to who you are unapologetically, and standing up for yourself. It's so adorable and soothing.
The romance is super sweet, Annie and Bebe are the cutest and they bring the best in each other. Annie helping Bebe to stand out for herself, and Bebe helping Annie being softer and stop picking fights with everyone for no reason.

I got an ARC of this book.

Look at that cover! It is so perfectly me. I needed this book the moment I saw it. SO MUCH YES.

I need queer romance. I need trans romance in particular. Have a trans MC find love is just so yes for me.

The book handles the trans plots in such a unique way. There is of course THE TRANS PLOT of the trans character transitioning and there being transphobia. The thing is, some of the transphobia is the kind where the people say they are being helpful and supportive, but they are doing it for the attention. It is that sort that has people filming themselves feeding the homeless for the likes on social media. It was such a heavy feeling for me. It was so wild. I hadn’t seen that expressed before. It gave the tired plot of transphobia some life. It also allowed for a look at how transphobia and internalized transphobia can impact someone. The MC was so afraid to say no or speak out, afraid of being labeled as angry or bad. There was even a comment in the story about using her “man voice” from another character. It was such a good look at things, though at first I cringed and almost put the book down at that point. Give it some time, it will make sense.

The way the parents’ transphobia was handled was also wild. It was complex. The parents seemed to be growing to respect everything, but were still stumbling. There was one panel in particular that hit me. The time her dad yelled to stay away from his daughter. They both paused and just stared at each other. It was probably the very first time that he had said daughter with such conviction. That moment will play over and over in her mind for years I have no doubt.

There was even talk of fetishizing of trans women. I was not expecting that, especially not in a YA romance. So all of my normal complaints about the trans plot are silent this time around. There is more to the MC than being trans, but it is a huge part of her. She just started transitioning, she is fighting to be herself. This is the perfect time for her to have those plots and also others.

I have to give the artist props for not making the trans girl stick out as trans. She is not the most masculine one in the plot. Someone else’s masculinity was called into question instead, which made the situation a little less daunting to read as a trans person, it also helped frame it in a way that a cis person may understand.

The reason why this is not five stars is the transphobia. It is so constant and it is such a main plot that I was on edge waiting for it to go too far and not be addressed. Some of it was not addressed enough for me. I am trans and this book could have been really triggering. I need trans people to have plots that are not about being trans. So a great look at transphobia, but I don’t need a look at transphobia in a romance.

Cheer Up is a sweet and heartwarming story between sapphic trans girl BeBe and rough and tumble lesbian Annie.

This book is what I would describe as short and sweet. The story was able to deal with heavy topics surrounding the treatment of young trans teens and still maintain a lighthearted and funny air. This is the kind of story I think young (and old) LGBTQ+ people need more of, seeing themselves happy and fulfilled and accepted.

I do wish that this was a series because I feel like I'd love to watch the development of these characters more, they're so lovely and I feel like there is so much more to their story as they grow into young adulthood and that would be really fun to see.

One part that I loved that I think took a backseat in the plot (for other important topics I'll admit) was the romance. What we do see of it is so sweet and adorable to read. Something about the innocence of young love really just warms my heart.

I absolutely adored the illustrations, they were bright and vibrant and really matched the nature of the story well.

I absolutely recommend this if you're looking for a light, sweet and quick read that will pick you up and make you smile.

This was so adorable and wholesome! There’s a lot of good LGBT+ rep, and lessons about fitting in and what it means to support a friend. I would love to see this become a novel. Annie and Bebe are a precious couple and I loved reading about their journey.

Thank you NetGalley, author and publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Such a good powerful story. It’s about accepting who you are, learning to better yourself, and stand up for yourself and others. This book managed to pack a good punch without feeling bogged down or slow.

I love the characters, there’s some good diversity and rep. They learned from each other and listened which is so important.

The artwork was gorgeous. It’s colourful and I really enjoyed it.

Highly recommend this graphic novel.

Cheer Up! is adorable and wholesome and it gave me all the feels! The romance is lovely, there’s so much character development and the drama feels so realistic!

First of all, about the characters, Annie is too annoying and headstrong in the first part, but throughout the story, she managed to win my heart and realize things about herself and change for the better. I also like that she is called out for her behavior. Also, all girls of the squad are flawed and even with good intentions, they make mistakes. But they’re open to listen and learn and this is very positive.

And Bebe! Bebe’s problems seemed so realistic that I wanted to cry at times. There’s so much worry, confusion, sadness, and anger with all these new situations. I’m surprised how this short graphic novel tackled this world of emotions and difficulties she has to go through in few pages!

In order to balance all the negative new aspects, Bebe receives lots of support from her cheering squad. The scene in which Bebe and Annie got together is so cute, there’s a lot of care and respect. And consent is cute, guys.
The cheer squad is interesting and diverse, the cheer part was so cool I wished I could see a cheer team live! Made me want to make part of it. It looks so much fun!

The only thing I not enjoyed about this graphic novel is that some of the problems got solved too fast but due to the size of it, I understand what needs to be done.

Overall, I loved Cheer Up! The character’s development is amazing and the struggles are realistic, but all the support and love Bebe receives makes this story lovely. Bebe and Annie’s relationship is adorable and I just want to see more couples like this one!

Be sure to add this to your TBR!

A friend had recommended this book to me and I was expecting a cute, queer graphic novel. And while you do get that with Cheer Up, you also get so much more. This book looks at issues of fitting in, societal expectations, and agency with such compassion. Fraiser did an incredible job portraying the issues faced by a trans teenager, from her parent's ideas and expectations to friends treating her like a mascot. It was interesting to see a story where a queer person is accepted, but even that acceptance comes with its own binds. A truly moving book.

Thank you Netgalley and Oni Press for an ARC of this book.

The art is beautiful, the characters are relatable, and the message is perfect. The only thing bad I have to say about this is it's too short! I love how the cheer team is a group of diverse body types who seem more like the misfits of the school than the stereotypical popular crowd. I would definitely recommend this to my queer students and anyone looking to become a better accomplice to LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Annie is the smartest girl in school but doesn’t have the social skills so she’s forced to join the cheerleading squad where she reunites with her friend Beatrice, a trans girl who's finally getting to be herself. This story of friendship, confidence and love will warm your heart. I absolutely fell in love with the characters and would love to see more from this author. Thank you to Oni Press for providing the ARC to me via Netgalley.

I enjoyed this book. It was a cute, fast read that still managed to pack a punch, speaking on some very important issues and topics. TW for transphobia in this one. I appreciated the diverse cast of characters and the growth that was shown as some of them grappled with the way they may have unconciously mistreated someone.

The writing/art style were both great. There was also an adorable romance. My only issue was that it felt a little rushed. It seemed like everything happened very quickly and that this needed to either be twice as long, or split into more volumes and done as more of a series instead.

"Me transitioning put so many people out... my mom, my dad, the school... and even the people who are nice get so much angrier when I get upset than they did before. Like they're all just waiting for proof that I'm 'one of the bad ones.' And no matter what I do, everyone is always looking at me. I'm always the center of attention. And they think if I screw up or freak out, it's because I'm a trans girl... never because I'm just not perfect."

This is one of the best graphic novels I've read this year. I absolutely loved every minute I got to spend with Annie and Bebe. Annie is socially awkward and often lets her temper get the best of her. To help round out her college applications, her mom pushes her to join the cheerleading squad. One of Annie's friends from her younger years is Bebe, the new cheer captain. Life isn't so easy for Bebe though; she's trans and not every team is as welcoming as the cheerleaders at Crane High School. Bebe and Annie rekindle their friendship and navigate the struggles of both cheerleading and being trans in a world that doesn't always accept you the way you are.

I loved this graphic novel. The characters were so relatable and endearing. The artwork is stunning and I spent so much time just marveling at how detailed all of the panels are. The plot is perfect pacing wise. Never once did I feel like the plot was rushed or lacking. I loved how supportive Bebe's parents were. I loved the open and honest conversations about what it's like to be trans. The only thing I didn't like is the book was over far too soon and I have no idea if there will be a sequel (Yes, please?!) so I may have to settle for reading this book over and over.

Despite this graphic novel featuring older high school characters, I would be completely comfortable putting this book in my middle school classroom library. This is such an important topic that needs to be represented.

TW: transphobia, microaggressions

Thank you to Netgalley and Oni Press for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to netgalley.com for providing me with a free copy of Cheer Up in exchange for an honest review.

Bebe is a shy cheerleader whose not looking for the spotlight. But as the first transgender cheerleader in her state, her well-meaning teammates keep trying to put her there--nominating her for cheer captain against her wishes. Her first act as cheer captain is to allow her former friend Annie, a gruff, often troublesome, lone wolf onto the squad. As they rekindle their friendship, BeeBee shows Annie the benefits of being part of a team, while Annie shows Bebe that it’s alright to stand up for yourself and your identity.

This is a very cute graphic novel with beautiful artwork. I loved the diversity of characters represented in height, weight, skin color, and gender expression. I liked Frasier’s choice of cheerleading as the backdrop for the graphic novel--showing that a traditionally feminine sport can be a place of community and acceptance for a diversity of people, and not the catty, gender-stereotypical sport often represented in media.

I think this graphic novel does a great job of portraying the life of a teenage trans girl. Bebe experiences that which all teens experience--struggles with school, participating in sports, preparing for college, attending school dances--but also must deal with the harsh reality of microaggressions (and overt aggression). Throughout the story, Bebe often experiences microaggressions even from those who accept her identity. Several times throughout the GN, her classmates treat her as a “mascot,” as Annie refers to it, putting her in leadership roles or involving her in school events to seemingly prove their progressivism in being inclusive of a trans girl. I think illustrating this was extremely important, to show that it is not just the most hateful, and can actually be those who are trying to be helpful, who can do harm to the trans community. Another complicated topic covered by Frasier is how parents balance the desire to protect their transgender child from harm and validate their child as trans. One of the more difficult parts of the graphic novel is learning that Bebe’s parents predicate her transitioning on keeping up her grades. They also deny her a social life, in fear that she will be harmed if out in public. While the latter ends up being resolved, I do wish more had been done to address the former, as it goes beyond just fearing for their child, which I can understand. However, the former suggests Bebe’s parents do not take her transition completely seriously and do not appreciate the negative effects of having to present oneself as the wrong gender, so I wish this had been addressed more. Notably, Frasier also covers several other important topics, including the fetishization of trans people and bathroom/locker room issues.

Balancing against these harsh realities is a cute, feel-good story of friendship and queer romance. In Bebe and Annie’s relationship, the reader can see what it means to acknowledge someone’s trans identity but also see them as the person they always were prior to transitioning. This graphic novel shows how powerful a supportive community can be, how it can not only protect you but show you how to protect yourself.

I loved this graphic novel. I’d recommend for those who already love queer stories but also those who want to know more about what it is like to be a trans teen.

"Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms" by Crystal Frasier is one of my favorite work of this year.

No one should ever have to be afraid to be who they are. That's the message of this graphic novel and I completely support it.
The protagonist is Annie, a plus-size, angry and lesbian girl, and her ex-friend Bebe, a biracial trans girl.
How we can see, the plot follows their experiences with cheer practice, their friendship, their daily problems and issues, their feelings and bravery.

I liked how a bad ended friendship can reborn and be a new, joyful beginning. The teammates' support is another thing that I've appreciated: you can be yourself and don't change only because there are some "standards". You can be a PonPon Girl and don't modify your body (eg: weight).

The transphobia is a topic that starts in a corner and reaches the center of the "canvas"- there are even microaggressions and harassment.

The illustrations of this graphic novel were absolutely gorgeous! I loved the details and art style. Hope to reading soon another work of the author!