Common Sense Media Review
Easy read on fitting in not worth cheering about.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say this book is an engaging read that resonates well with the experiences of friendship and middle school drama, particularly highlighting the dynamic between two best friends who face challenges together. While many find it relatable and enjoyable, some reviewers note the simplicity of the writing and mixed feelings about the plot.
- friendship struggles
- relatable characters
- middle school drama
- enjoyable read
- simple writing
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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+.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Inc.
- Publication date : January 1, 2007
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 176
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate