This is a really lovely read and just the pick-me-up my heart needed right now. Sold as being a match for fans of Check Please, this one follows two recent additions to the school's cheerleading team: a lesbian with a bit of a rage problem but a heart of gold behind it, and a sweet girl who's recently come out a trans trying to navigate her place in school. The two of them forge a seemingly unlikely connection, a bond that allows them to face adversity together and grow.

I would have loved to read this as a teenager and even now I read it all in one sitting. It's heartwarming but doesn't gloss over what school is like for these girls. Even when people are trying, that doesn't mean they get it right and it's lovely see these two approach that world with one another for support. Exactly what I'd recommend right now if you need something to make you smile.

Whenever I am in a reading slump, I look to graphic novels to help me get out, and this one absolutely did the trick! I was sold from the minute I saw Check Please as a comp title -- that's an all-time fave -- and it absolutely has the same same warmth, but is it's own strong story. The illustrations are gorgeous and the panels are easy to follow (I'm fairly new to comics and graphic novels so sometimes I get confused), but the story? I'm in love. I think we all have a picture in our heads of what kind of people high school cheerleaders are, but Cheer Up! turns that on its head. And we also have friends to enemies to friends to lovers which, wow I am here for. And Annie and Bebe are such strong, wonderful characters on their own. This graphic novel is a celebration of the queer teen experience and it's absolutely beautiful.

This graphic novel was exactly what I needed right now. It was so good and I loved the characters and designs so much. I’m happy this book is out there for the world to enjoy. I will definitely will be recommending it to people!

This was SUCH a cute graphic novel! I fell in love with Beebee and Annie instantly and I was rooting for them from the start. I think the sensitive issues in this book were handled with care and love, though I do think that I would have liked to see more arcs of this book with a longer timescale just because it did feel like Beebee forgave everyone for anything they did to hurt her instantly and I would have liked to see a little more work being done to earn that forgiveness. Particularly with her parents, there was a moment that really stood out to me as being terrible and it was kind of glossed over after that point. But I did think this had some fantastic queer rep and is a great YA graphic novel for teens to read, as it has a brilliant storyline and a fantastic moral to it overall.

I honestly have no words. This was everything I needed and more. The diversity was absolutely immaculate, the realism to real life (in terms of prejudice and saviour-complexes) was so raw and well done, the characters were freaking adorable and to top it off, the art was gorgeous. The plot was nothing special, but that just made it even more pure and heartwarming as we got to focus on the characters. I definitely recommend

What do you get when you put an antisocial plus-size lesbian and a people-pleasing sapphic trans girl on a cheer team? The cutest graphic novel ever!

With an aesthetically pleasing colour palette and fast-paced plot, Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms is an equally fun and important story. Exploring transphobic micro-aggressions, parental and peer pressures, and friendship, this portrays a highly relevant and well-developed tale.

Annie and Bebe’s relationship is really heartwarming and they bring the best out in each other - whether that’s learning to stand up for themselves or trying new things.

Overall, this is a sweet, funny and wholesome graphic novel with lovely artwork!

This graphic novel is far more moving than a book about high-school cheerleaders has any right to be. I haven't enjoyed something about cheerleading so much since Bring it On - and thankfully, Cheer Up! is even gayer than that. The story follows the growth - and growing relationship - of two not-quite-misfits, Bebe and Annie, as they finish high school and fall in love. Despite my being more like Annie in high school (a brainy Goth lesbian smart-arse), I found myself identifying with Bebe, the trans girl who starts having feelings for Annie. Bebe is an inveterate people-pleaser who is unable to say no because she's worried about being seen as troublesome or 'bad' and feels as though her coming out has already put her parents out too much, though she isn't even on hormones - only blockers - and relies on makeup to project the 'pretty girl' look that also brings unwanted attention her way. Bebe's struggle reflects that of so many LGBT people regardless of our specific sexuality or gender identity and I was so glad when she found her voice. Drawn with sweet rounded lines reminiscent of Bingo Love or Terry Moore's Strangers in Paradise, Cheer Up! is a visual treat as well as the most wholesome and adorable story.

This book was absolutely adorable! Definitely for fans of Heartstopper and Fence! The story follows Annie (a smart, angry lesbian) and BeeBee (a people-pleaser trans girl) and how they both reconnect during their last year of high school while working together in the cheer team. This was a quick, fast-paced read that was both heartwarming and adorable while also dealing with sensitive queer issues. Something that really stood out to me was how diverse the cast was! I love how we see people of all shapes and sizes, it's clear that inclusivity was a top priority for this graphic novel and it's wonderful to see it throughout this book! There are trigger warnings for transphobia and microaggressions but I believe the topics were handled sensitively. I will say, the pacing is a bit off in some places. I feel like a few more panels would have helped transition the story progression more smoothly but overall it didn't take away from my enjoyment of this book. I give this a 4.5/5 stars and would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a quick and adorable queer sports story :)

Okay, this was flat-out one of the sweetest books I've ever read! Its uncluttered, adorable art and heartfelt message mean it's definitely one you can give to tweens while the romance and LGBTQ issues will be relatable enough to hold real teen (and older!) appeal. Absolutely a must-have for libraries and any queer collections.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

“SEEING YOU GO FIRST LET ME KNOW I COULD DO IT, TOO!” This was my favorite quote! This is such a sweet and wonderful graphic novel. I love how both Anne and Bebe help each other through the different struggles. The delightful, whimsical illustrations fit perfectly with the heartfelt storyline. If you want to feel good, this is the graphic novel to read!

Cheer Up! Tackles being a queer teenager in its short, wholesome, yet thoughtful graphic novel about Annie and Bebe.

Bebe is just your average teen girl; captain of the cheer squad, struggling under the weight of her parents expectations. Only Bebe is trans and is dealing with finding her voice amidst transphobia from those closest to her.

Annie is an overachiever but a loner, struggling to find herself and her friendships while still feeling like a strong, independent lady.

With the help of each other and their growing friendship circle, Cheer Up! shows Annie and Bebe finding their voice and their place in the mess of high school.

I would like to thank NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this novel.

An absolute and utter joy. I loved everything about this book: the art, the characters, the sweet love story, the queer joy. I loved the way Frasier allowed transphobia to exist in the story, but didn't make the story about that. I sat down to read this and did not get up until I'd finished. What a treat.

Thanks to Oni Press for the advance e-copy (via NetGalley) of "Cheer Up!" by Crystal Frasier, Val Wise, + Oscar Jupiter. Expected publication date: August 10, 2021.

This graphic novel about a high school cheerleading team is absolutely adorable and has the types of friendships and relationships I hope my children find when they get to high school. Friends lifting up friends, sticking up for each other, giving each other second chances, helping each other be their best, and supporting each other with school, peers, and family. This graphic novel has a friends-to-lovers (in a PG way) romance, LGBTQIAP+ characters and romance, and characters that I hope we see more of.

This was such a cute graphic novel!

Annie is top of her class, but her anti-social personality might risk college acceptances. Enter: the cheer squad. With coaxing from her mom and the school principal, Annie goes out for the school cheer squad where she reconnects with her friend Beatrice. Beatrice, or BeeBee, is the first trans girl at their school and feels like everyone is always staring at her, waiting for her to make a mistake. So she figures she has to be perfect. When she starts to reconnect with Annie, Beatrice starts to learn that it's okay to stand up for herself, and that her friends will always stand with her when she does.

I adored this graphic novel. The story was a heartwarming tale of friendship, being true to yourself, and falling in love. The art style was lovely, and I loved how bright and colourful the panels were. Highly recommend!

From the very second I saw the cover of this book, I was sold. The drawing style is a pleasure to the eyes, and the cover promises an adorable story. And while part of me thinks the book is too short, and a little rushed here and there, it still fulfilled that promise. I would have loved to read more, for example the part where the girls get together, kiss for the first time, and decide to date, could have been longer, since it felt a little rushed. Seeing more details about why they like each other and how their relationship blossoms would have been amazing, and I would love to see a sequel (or several ones, even), because there's a lot of potential in their story. But even all that didn't change the fact that this is a lovely book, with characters you can love and root for, and with a message anyone can relate to.
Lgbt graphic novels are rare, especially lesbian themed ones, so this was a very pleasant surprise. A heartwarming story about being yourself even if it seems like the most difficult thing to do sometimes. Not flawless, but undoubtedly worth reading, and will certainly put a smile on your face.

This was really a great book! We meet BeeBee, a trans girl who is part of the cheer squad. She doesn't want a lot of attention thrown her way, with her parents especially wanting to protect her. Then there is Annie, an extremely smart but loud and boisterous girl who needs to join some activities to help her get into college. As you can expect, Annie joins the cheer team, and she and BeeBee connect. It's a great story about friendship and acceptance, with some awesome graphics to boot. Definitely recommend... and I hope we get to see/read more!

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC. This honest review was based off of my own opinions.

Cheer Up! is a fantastic graphic novel that I would recommend to anyone. Annie is forced to join the cheer team to improve her college application odds. Annie is firmly convinced that her attempt to be social and join a team will end horribly. However, as Annie reconnects with Bebe, a trans girl who must balance keeping her grades up and coordinating the cheer team, she discovers that it might not be so terrible after all. Adorableness ensues!

I really loved this graphic novel! While Bebe and Annie experience plenty of obstacles from well-meaning teammates to protective parents, there are so many cute moments. These range from honest conversations, gentle encouragement, and a fabulous homecoming dance. One of my favorite parts of the story is seeing the growth and self-confidence that both girls gain. It is so heartwarming to see their journey and I think every library should have a copy of this book. I also really love to see friendship between girls addressed with kindness and realism, which is expertly done with the cheer team. The art style is bright and sets the tone well.

Cheer Up! has been compared to Fence and Check, Please! which feels very accurate to me. If you enjoy coming-of-age stories that tackle important topics, contain LGBTQ+ rep, and lovable characters then you need to read Cheer Up! Thank you to Crystal Frasier, Val Wise, Oni Press, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Cheer Up! releases August 10, 2021.

For publisher: My review will be posted on the publication date and I will publish it on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble etc

this was a cute fast read about friendships, cheerleading, and first love. the writing was very simple and the plots resolved pretty quickly and easily. i had fun reading it and would love to see more of this world and the characters!

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.*

4.5 stars. GAH THIS GRAPHIC NOVEL IS ADORABLE. We follow Beatrice, or Bebe, and Annie, as they rekindle their friendship over a cheerleading team in high school and all the events that follow. Firstly, I would like to say how astronomically PLEASED I am that Annie’s character is fat and fine about it. Even though there are a few fatphobic comments, I really love how the author has kept her character fat. Yes, she exercises, and yes, she’s still fat. She has core muscle strength and is getting fit for the cheer team, not because anyone wants her to lose weight, and that is fabulous. I love how she’s destigmatised the idea of fat characters and exercise/sport in this graphic novel, and if more sporty stories were like this I’d read them. As a fat girl, thank you author for giving your plus size readers a character to relate to.

Then we have Bebe, a trans girl who is trying her best to fit in. I’m not transgender, but I know that trans readers will appreciate the representation and the discussions about trans people’s safety and how to be a good ally to trans people were so well done. Beatrice is GOREGOUS AND SHE SHOULD KNOW IT. So is Annie. I love both of them equally and for a short graphic novel, we do see quite a bit of character growth from both of them which is awesome.

The art style of this was really nicely done - the panels weren’t too busy, the text was easy to read and the shading *chef’s kiss*. Also, can we talk about how beautiful both girls looked in the last section of the graphic novel in their formal outfits? *Squeals in pretty dresses*

In terms of representation we have (canon): plus size lesbian MC, sapphic biracial trans girl MC, black/mixed race side characters, fat side characters, and a character who comes out as non-binary, even if they don’t use the words non-binary or gender fluid explicitly, but it’s there.

This story was bloody CUTE. I love seeing a fat character in love, it makes my own heart so content. If you’re looking for a short, sweet and fun graphic novel about a WLW teenage couple centred around cheerleading, high school and identity, that deals with heavy topics in a respectful and digestible way, then this is the graphic novel for you. Definitely check it out and thanks for taking the time to read this review. See you next time :)

Trigger Warnings: Fatphobic Lanugage, Transphobia, Microagressions, Sexual Harassement, Controlling Parents and Mentions of Biting

This was so adorable! I love how it was lighthearted, but also dealt with heavier topics. I also really loved both of the main characters!
It reminded me a lot of Heartstopper, which I loved!
I would definitely recommend picking this up for a cute, quick read!