Cheer Challenge - (Jake Maddox Girl Sports Stories) by Jake Maddox (Paperback)

About the Book

Amanda has always dreamed of being captain of a cheerleading squad, and this year, she is! But she soon realizes that being captain is harder than she thought. Not only does she have to lead the squad, she has to inspire them, and that's hard work.

Book Synopsis

Amanda has always dreamed of being captain of a cheerleading squad, and this year, she is! But she soon realizes that being captain is harder than she thought. Not only does she have to lead the squad, she has to inspire them, and that's hard work.

Review Quotes

Amanda loves being on the cheer squad, but when she is chosen as the captain, she worries that she won't do a good job. She tries very hard to motivate her teammates, and suggests that they sign up for a competition. They work hard at it, but her best friend Rachel makes the decision to skip a practice, asking Amanda to lie for her. Amanda won't, so the group goes to competition without her. Strengths: There are not many books on cheerleading, and again, there are quite a few pictures of the clearly African-American Amanda, and this fact does not come into the plot at all. Weaknesses: Another too tidy resolution and very quick plot (recitals and competitions after a month of practice?), but this does keep things moving along. The Jake Maddox sports books from Capstone are great for reluctant readers. There are so many different activities-- there is even one on Geo caching! I would buy every single book AND the Accelerated Reader test for them if I had the money. At $18 each, though, I am circumspect about the titles that I buy. http: //msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/2011/08/lower-level-books.html-- "Ms. Yingling Reads blog"

Good stories. This series features female heroes. The story keeps you reading. One of the better sets I have previewed. Length of book is good, gives you time to become involved with the story. The main characters are older which helps with lower reading level books. Buying Recommendation: Good.-- "Albuquerque Public School"