Game On
Melanie Spring. Little, Brown/Poppy, $10 trade paper (272p) ISBN 978-0-316-22727-8
In a story created in partnership with cheerleading brand Varsity, ninth-grade best friends Chloe, Emily, and Kate are all on the JV cheerleading squad and utterly devoted to their sport. Chloe, whose older siblings were cheerleading champs, seems like a shoe-in for captain until new girl Devin shows up at practice. Devin doesn’t even want to be a cheerleader (she’s an expert tumbler), but she agreed to give it a try since there’s no gymnastics team in the area. When Devin and Chloe are elected co-captains, the friction is immediate; all that team troublemaker Leila has to do is tell a few lies to get their feud going strong. Third-person narration moves breezily among the girls, highlighting their strengths and insecurities, in this first book in a planned series. The story lifts up the virtues of teamwork, hard work, and the power of a smile as it builds toward a co-captain blowout and a big competition at Regionals. While the endless positivity may overwhelm some readers, the friendship dramas and cheer action should keep fans of the sport entertained. Ages 12–up. (Sept.)
Details
Reviewed on: 07/29/2013
Genre: Children's
Open Ebook - 224 pages - 978-0-316-22725-4
Other - 121 pages - 978-0-316-34809-6