Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this book in the Candy Apple series has at least a little more substance than the title implies. Geared for tweens, the plot focuses on social issues that are prevalent to this age range: fitting in, feeling awkward, first romantic attractions, relationships with parents, and balancing school and social pressures. It's an easy read, in fact probably manageable for most 8- and 9-year-olds. However, parents need to know that girls like boys and wear makeup, characters play truth or dare at a party and slow dance together, and the main character describes first romantic encounters. They also have their own credit cards and spend exorbitant amounts of money on clothes. There is no racial or economic diversity amongst the characters.
Families who read this book can talk about the transformation of Sophie, from shy outsider to popular cheerleader. Would you have managed the popular crowd differently than Sophie? Why or why not? Do these characters seem realistic and are they reminiscent of real classmates? Also, these characters have a lot of independence from their families -- walking to malls, spending money, sleeping over at one another's houses on a regular basis. What responsibilities (homework, chores, jobs) are placed on these girls that limit their endless social activities? Parents of girls still waiting for their growth spurt can also point out that though Sophie is short, she is described as athletic, strong, and coordinated.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Pam Gelman
In middle school, social development is all about finding out who you are while also tying to fit into your world. There are try-outs or contests for athletic teams, academic clubs, theater, social cliques, and even the dreaded cheerleading tryouts as described in THE ACCIDENTAL CHEERLEADER.
Parents may wince at this title but really it's less about cheerleading and more about what happens when one seventh grade girl is accepted into the group and her best friend is not. The reader learns how the main character balances wanting to fit in, being true to herself, and facing up to powerful kids in the social network at school. One of the biggest errors in this book is the lack of diversity. Are these kids really any different?
Parents, don't be fooled by the easy-to-read text -- there are many passages about dreamy boys, spending money on clothes, and experimenting with makeup that make this book not totally inappropriate for younger readers, but a much better fit for kids facing similar issues, readers 11+.
From The Book
"Last night, when you were shopping with your mom." Kylie gave her a steady look. "Joel came over and helped me. He also helped me carry them today, when you didn't meet me in the equipment room."
Sophie flushed, "Kye, I'm sorry about that. I…got busy doing something."
"Yeah, I guess you're really busy these days."
"It's just that…"
Sophie wanted to explain how being a cheerleader was more complicated than she'd imagined. You had to say hi to the right people in the halls and have the right clothes and nice eyelashes. And when girls like Trisha and Kate wanted to hang out, you couldn't just say no. Sometimes it was hard to keep track of everything you were supposed to do.
Plot Summary:
Shy, small Sophie and loud, wild Kylie try out for cheerleading. Sophie makes it while Kylie is designated team mascot, the mule. Their relationship is tested further when Sophie becomes part of the cheerleading popular clique. She tries to include Kylie but is frustrated and embarrassed by her friend's antics to get attention. The cheerleaders encourage Sophie to ditch Kylie -- until a rumor spreads that Sophie likes a popular, very-spoken-for football player.
Sophie actually likes Kylie's neighbor, who also believes that Sophie has changed. Sophie has some soul-searching and explaining to do to get back her friends.
Related Books:
Other Books about Friendship and Fitting In:
The Beacon Street Girls by Annie Bryant
How to Be Popular by Meg Cabot
For younger readers: The Secret Order of the Gumm Street Girls by Elise Primavera
For older readers: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
For parents watching their kids grapple with similar issues, a popular resource is Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and Other Realities of Adolescence by Rosalind Wiseman
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentFlirtations from girls directed at boys; slow dancing; coed parties playing truth or dare; discussion of kissing; excitement from fingers touching. |
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ViolenceGirl falls from cheerleading lift and cries. She is not hurt. |
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Language"Dang" and "social moron" is as bad as it gets. |
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Social BehaviorThere is little about parents, teachers, or other meaningful adults. Sophie's parents are present but somewhat absent-minded about their daughter. She tricks her mother so she can purchase makeup. Also, no diversity in these characters. |
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CommercialismGirls have their own credit cards and spend a fortune on clothes. |
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