The Accidental Cheerleader (by Mimi McCoy)

common sense media says

Easy read on fitting in not worth cheering about.

parents & educators say

33% say violence is an issue
33% say there are positive role models

What parents need to know

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 among the characters.

Positive messages: There 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.

Violence: Girl falls from cheerleading lift and cries. She is not hurt.

Sex: Flirtations from girls directed at boys; slow dancing; coed parties playing truth or dare; discussion of kissing; excitement from fingers touching.

Language: "Dang" and "social moron" is as bad as it gets.

Consumerism: Girls have their own credit cards and spend a fortune on clothes.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about the transformation of Sophie from shy outsider to popular cheerleader. Would you have managed the popular crowd differently than Sophie? Do these characters seem realistic and are they reminiscent of real classmates?

What's the story?

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.

Is it any good?

One of the biggest errors in this book is the lack of diversity. Are these kids really any different? And 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+.

Book themes & details

Book Details

Author: Mimi McCoy
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Publication date: January 1, 2007
Number of pages: 176
Paperback price: $4.99
Read Aloud: 11
Read Alone: 11

This review was written by Pam Gelman

Review It

What parents & educators say

Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:

33% say violence is an issue
33% say there are positive role models
33% say there are positive messages
33% say it's educational

Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

Annabelle898
teen, 16 years old

It's in my Candy Apple Collection Volume 1!

I just finished reading this book, and let me tell you it was amazing! I can really understand where Sophie is coming from becuase I had a simmilar thing happen to me. It was such a good book, I wish I could read it again! But sadly, it's over. It's short, sweet, and if you don't believe me, then read it for yourself! I highly reccomend it!

Book Details

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The Accidental Cheerleader (by Mimi McCoy)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on The Accidental Cheerleader

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Book themes & details

Book Details

Review It

Review The Accidental Cheerleader

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

It's in my Candy Apple Collection Volume 1!

PERFECT FOR 11 YEAR OLD KIDS

The book is Cool and funny.

'A little to easy for a thirtheen year old'

Not bad, but not good

Why did you give this 2 stars?

The Accidental Cheerleader

it was amazing

Such a bad book. So badly written.

is the best !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Accidental Cheerleader 101

Uuuh

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