Catalog

Record Details

Catalog Search



Squad goals  Cover Image Book Book

Squad goals / Erika J. Kendrick.

Kendrick, Erika J., (author.).

Summary:

Twelve-year-old Magic Pointdexter comes from a long line of cheerleaders, but to follow in their footsteps, Magic must survive summer camp Planet Pom Poms, audition for a spot on the HoneyBee cheer squad, and steer clear of swoon-worthy Dallas Chase.

Record details

  • ISBN: 9780316427142 (paperback)
  • ISBN: 0316427144 (paperback)
  • Physical Description: 296 pages ; 20 cm
  • Edition: First edition.
  • Publisher: New York : Little, Brown and Company, 2021.

Content descriptions

Target Audience Note:
Ages 8-12. Little, Brown and Company.
Grades 7-9. Little, Brown and Company.
Subject: Cheerleading > Fiction.
Camps > Fiction.
African American girls > Fiction.
African Americans > Fiction.

Available copies

  • 2 of 2 copies available at Kenton County.

Holds

  • 0 current holds with 2 total copies.
Show Only Available Copies
Location Call Number / Copy Notes Barcode Shelving Location Status Due Date
Covington Branch J KENDR E (Text) 33126024900411 JFiction Available -
Erlanger Branch J KENDR E (Text) 33126024900395 JFiction Available -

  • School Library Journal Reviews : SLJ Reviews 2021 March

    Gr 3–7—Magic Olive Poindexter is a young Black girl who has been surrounded by athletic greatness her entire life—her father is a retired NBA star, her older sister is a Laker Girl, and her grandmother was the first Black cheerleader ever at her middle school. Magic, instead, is a member of the coding club. She still wants to be on the middle school cheer squad, called the HoneyBees, so she heads off for the three-week Planet Pom Poms summer cheer camp. With little athletic ability, though, Magic struggles through the start of cheer camp. A group of unlikely cheer camp attendees who call themselves the StumbleBees encourage Magic and one another through three weeks of cheer training and middle school drama. The idea behind this book, believing in yourself and working hard, is a good one, but it isn't executed well. From early on, it isn't clear if Magic actually wants to be a cheerleader or if she is simply trying to do what her family expects of her in order to make them proud. Throughout the book there is a lot of focus on body image, specifically how people should be fit and skinny. Magic has secret food stashes around so she can steal a snack when people aren't looking. There are also several instances of gender stereotyping around athletic activities. VERDICT This novel's level of unchallenged body shaming and judgment is unsettling and harmful in a children's book. There are much better books that center on unlikely friendships and underdog athletes.—Jessica Trafton, Skidompha Lib., Damariscotta, ME

    Copyright 2021 School Library Journal.

Additional Resources