 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Accidental Cheerleader
- By Mimi McCoy
- Genre: Friendship
Common Sense Media says
Easy read on fitting in not worth cheering about.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
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+.
What families can talk about
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?
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AGE
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!
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AGE
PERFECT FOR 11 YEAR OLD KIDS
LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Kid, 10 years old
May 19, 2010
AGE
The book is Cool and funny.
Love it
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AGE
'A little to easy for a thirtheen year old'
This book was a bit to easy for me because it had very little new vocab. On the upside I think most all girls can relate to it because it deals with fitting in with the 'in' crowd,boy crushes, and being yourself. I would recomend this book to girls at the age of 11 to 13.
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AGE
Not bad, but not good
Honestly. This book I read because I was a cheerleader and I wanted to read a book that could follow up my interest. I read it. I actually had to perform a play about the book that we were reading in english class about this book one day with my best friend. It is not bad but is still not the best. I don't really think that anything stands out. No bad content-no good content. But if your little cheerleader wants to read it go ahead and let her. It is a good reading experience.
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Kid, 10 years old
September 19, 2010
AGE
I think this book is OK for 8+.I kinda like this book.And I really hope Mimi Mcoy Makes Accidental Cheerleader 2.I am 8 years old almost 9 years old.
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Kid, 11 years old
November 17, 2011
AGE
Why did you give this 2 stars?
This is really good. I liked it alot. Really easy to read but fun. Reccommended!
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AGE
it was amazing
it is the kind of book that lets you know that your friends will stick with you in bad times and good
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| Author: | Mimi McCoy |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Friendship |
| Publisher: | Scholastic Inc. |
| Publication date: | January 1, 2007 |
| Number of pages: | 176 |
| Paperback price: | $4.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 11 |
| Read alone: | 11 |
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