5 comments about The Naughty List.

1. Tessa Crimson (awesome name, right?) is more than just the captain of Washington High's cheerleading squad. She's also the leader of S.O.S (Society of Smitten Kittens), the club that catches cheating boyfriends in the act, with evidence!
   
   Lucky for Tessa, she has Aiden. Aiden is the perfect boyfriend: he's sweet, kind, gorgeous, and totally loves her. (I so want an Aiden!). He's not just perfect, he's "strawberry-smoothie purrfect" (there's a ton of adorable kitty references. There's just the small matter that Tessa has been hiding her covert operations from Aiden for the past two years.
   
   But now Aiden's wising up and becoming a bit impatient with Tessa constantly being busy. Because of the busyness with more cases, Tessa doesn't really take notice of Aiden's frustrations. But The Naughty List is maxed out, and every single suspect has been caught - every single one of them has cheated.
   
   Then new girl, Chloe Ferril, shows up and she's very different from Tessa. She's provocative and crude and seems to have her sights set directly on the most unattainable guy in school, Aiden. Tessa knows that this is one girl who isn't going to retract her claws until she hooks them into Aiden.
   
   Tessa has never worried about her and Aiden's "strawberry-smoothie purrfect" relationship, until his name shows up on The Naughty List. Now, Tessa must investigate the one person she never considered to be as naughty as the others. Did Aiden betray her, or are they still as "strawberry-smoothie purrfect" as she thought them to be?
   
   If there's one thing that is "strawberry-smoothie purrfect," it's THE NAUGHTY LIST! I fell so in love with Tessa, Aiden, Kira, and Leona that I didn't want to see this story end. I love how Tessa doesn't curse and instead improvises with phrases like "Jingle Bells!," "Shake and bake,!" and my personal favorite, "Peanut butter sandwiches!"
   
   Kira had some of the most reasonable advice out of them all, even though she seems to be a couple of kittens short of a litter most of the time. But Tessa would totally have to be my favorite. She's adorable and hilarious, and despite her flaws, she has the sincerest of intentions.
   
   Of course, there always has to be the practical voice of reason and the one to keep everything and everyone organized, and that would be where Leona comes in. Leona is so funny! She tends to be the one to say exactly what Tessa is thinking, but won't say herself because it's un-kitten-like. Leona is that girl who doesn't give a care what anyone says; she's just going to say whatever she wants - I love that!
   
   And I can't forget Aiden. He's sweet and adorable and the epitome of the dream boyfriend! He's so supportive and patient (at least way more than I would be), at least for a long time. I mean, how many guys want and like painting their girlfriend's toenails? But even the most perfect couples have their flaws.
   
   The writing is fantastic and the story is uniquely adorable. It's fun and quick and purrfect for any kitties out there who want to curl up with a fantastic story for a few hours. Summer better hurry, because I need the sequel, SO MANY BOYS, like yesterday!
   
   Reviewed by: Samantha Clanton, aka "Harlequin Twilight"



2. You may never think about cheerleaders in the same way after reading Suzanne Young's debut novel "The Naughty List." She flips nearly every cheerleader stereotype on its head in her tale of a cheerleading-squad-turned-secret-society-to-catch-cheating-boyfriends. Rather than rely on the overdone image of a cheerleader as a ditsy blonde backbiter, Young paints a refreshing, nuanced and hilarious portrait of Tessa, the head cheerleader and head spy. Tessa takes cheering very seriously, but not because it's a path to popularity. Because she truly believes in school spirit. And she believes in washing your mouth out with soap too. Rather than swear, she creates her own endearing four-letter phrases like "peanutbutter pickles" or "strawberry smoothies." The story zips along at a quick pace with each chapter punctuated by a "cheater's report" full of witty asides on the cheater's behavior or tacky taste. But the complexity in this breezy tale comes in Tessa herself when she must confront what to do when she's asked to investigate her own boyfriend's possibly naughty ways. The Naughty List is a sparkling debut!



3. Do not be fooled by the pink cover. The Naughty List by Suzanne Young definitely ran the gamut of emotions, as ninja-Cheerleader-spy Tessa comes to suspect her too-perfect boyfriend Aiden of cheating. Basically the high school that Tessa goes to is a breeding ground for jerks, as a large amount of relationships end because one person cheats on the other. Tessa and her cheerleader friends decide to combat this trend by starting a secret society known as SOS. What SOS does is investigate suspected cheaters after being asked and then they deliver results to their patron. So far all of their investigations have led to an answer of guilty. All of the cheaters are basically put on a jerkface-roll aka Naughty List.
   
   Ya'll I will be the first in line to pick up So Many Boys when it comes out. The Naughty List was FANTASTIC. I love that the girls in this book take charge of a situation and do what they can to help out women-kind. The feminist in me jumps for joy. Also, while Tessa can be kind of annoying with her refusal to swear, it grows on you after awhile, especially the phrases she uses instead of curse words.
   
   This book definitely goes fairly deep into how being cheated on can hurt and affect a person's self-esteem. You guys know that feeling you get when your chest clenches over something terrible? I mean, maybe you've been in a relationship and have been on the verge of a break-up. You know that feeling you have during that stage? Well, I had that feeling several times during this book. Oh, man, did I feel for Tessa, especially as she had to deal with a character who I shall call the queen of the skanks. I'm sure plenty of people have had this same feeling when you perceive someone to be flirting with your partner, and your partner to be flirting back. ACK. It's definitely not a good place to be in. However, I loved that The Naughty List could evoke that feeling in me, for such a frilly-covered book.
   
   So as far as teenagers go, the characters definitely felt real to me. Aside from Tessa, the characters curse quite a bit, just like real high schoolers. (Yay for swears!) Also, there is sex in the book. I like how real they felt, because yeah, a lot of teens do those things. Granted not very many teens are ninja-Cheerleader-spies, but I can't complain about that part of the book, since it was rather fun to read.
   
   The writing is fast-paced and uncluttered. The characters winning, and the experience completely awesome.



4. The Naughty List is a fun and flirty read, just what I needed after finishing my last YA book.
   
   The premise is very simple. Tessa Crimson is head cheerleader but she is also the ringleader for a very important, but secretive, school service. She leads SOS which helps high school girls find out if their boyfriends are cheating. Fortunately for Tessa, she has a great boyfriend who adores her and would never cheat on her. Right? The more Tessa investigates the cheating habits of her high school classmates, the more pessimistic she becomes. Could Aiden be hiding something from her?
   
   While reading this, I couldn't help but get the impression that this book is kind of like a romance novel in reverse. At story's beginning, Tessa has an amazing boyfriend and life, kind of like her happily-ever-after, already, but by story's end, things are not so simple and happy.
   
   I really enjoyed this book. It's a nice light read but it also has enough depth where I don't feel like I'm reading the equivalent of cotton candy. Most notably, it has Tessa who starts off feeling entirely certain and in control of her world, and as the book goes on, finds out that her world is spiraling out around her. Despite this, I really felt like Tessa developed into a stronger character by story's end. She had to start relying on herself more, and much as she loved Aiden, she started to realize she had to figure out who she was without him.
   
   And I mentioned how fun this book is, right? Because I really enjoyed the amateur spying techniques of the Smitten Kittens. I mean, they had a grappling hook! How very her awesome is that? The memos interspersed throughout the text are also funny and sad. It certainly did seem like a high percentage of males at that school cheated, yikes!
   
   I also liked the female friendship aspects of the story. Even when Tessa was around a girl she didn't like, one in particular who was gunning for Aiden, she managed to keep a smile on her face and some measure of politeness. There wasn't a whole lot of catty behavior which was a nice change of pace from some of the "mean girl-esque" novels I've read.
   
   I do want to say, from a librarian's point of view, rather than my own personal enjoyment factor, that some parents may have issues with this book because while it is not explicit by any means, there's quite a bit of sex going on with the main character. I thought the author handled the subject very well and let's face it; sex is a reality of teenage years, no matter how many parents want to shield their teens. But, it is an issue that I can see cropping up in a public library setting.
   
   Aiden also calls Tessa "Baby" quite a bit as a term of endearment. I don't mind it but I can see some readers being annoyed with that. However, this book is written for teens and heck, that's how teen guys talk sometimes to be cutesy so I felt it was realistic.
   
   I'm already anxious to read the second book in the series, So Many Boys: A Naughty List Novel which comes out in July, then the third book, A Good Boy is Hard to Find (Naughty List). I expect even more growth of Tessa as a character and hopefully, a happy ending for a couple I really like.



5. This book was awesome - there's no other way to put it. It had a enticing plot, spectaluar writing, and fabulous characters you can connect with. Every moment of it is fast paced and a total page turner. It's a book as cute as it's cover!
   
   I loved the Smitten Kittens. The attitude and commitment they had to their cause took guts, and it was great to read about. All the expressions Suzanne Young throws in The Naughty List were great. Tessa, the main character, frequently deems things "so strawberry smoothie!" or when things don't go quite right "sugarplum fairies" - they're so catchy! I wouldn't be suprised if I start using them everyday! Tessa, Kira and Leona are the three you here from the most, and I loved the depth they all had. They weren't just the perky cheerleaders who help other girls out. They weren't perfect and each had their own battle to face.
   
   The first time I read the summary for The Naughty List, I thought the plot sounded adorable and it was! There were so many moments I was laughing as the girls went on their cheater exposing missions.
   
   The Naughty List is a book to make you smile and feel good about yourself. This is definately a series you don't want to miss!

5 comments about Coaching Cheerleading Successfully - 2nd Edition.

1. I recommend this book to anyone interested in coaching or advising cheer. One of the best purchases I have ever made, and I bought one for my entire coaching staff. I also run a training website and discussion group and constantly urge my visitors and participants to buy this great resource for coaches of today. A true cheerleading must-have!



2. A must-have for all coaches. There are a fair variety of motions and jumps depicted, but they are drawings rather than photographs. Also, there is no visual depiction of how to prep for a jump, and this book starts you off with a thigh stand instead of stag stunts but there are stunt variations here not shown in "The Offical Cheerleaders Handbook" or "The Ultimate Guide to Cheerleading" and the photographs lead you pretty much through the whole sequence.
   
   Also in its favor it does have great tips on:
   
   *forming a team
   
   *keeping on top of your legal responsibilities
   
   *developing a practice plan
   
   *reaching out to parents and the community
   
   *building up your members' self-esteem
   
   *evaluating and tweaking your program
   
   My advice is to buy this book in conjunction with the other two mentioned above to get the most knowledge of cheerleading basics.
   
   Coach ~Jen



3. I couldn't find much help from this book. However, I'm Swedish and how to start a program here is really different from in the USA. The stunting section was very short. The illustrations to the dancemovements were adequate but sometimes not enough descriptive. There are other books out that will tell you the same things, and more. I recommend "the ultimate guide to cheerleading" by leslie something.



4. Believe it or not I used this book to build an entire cheer team from the ground up. I carried this book around, highlighted, and flagged pages and used the pre-printed handouts for everything. I would have falled flat on my face without it. There are chapters about every possible obstacle, what to expect, and how to run your squad. My squad went from being a "joke" at half-time with 10 people watching to being a "crowd pleaser" by the end of the year with over 100 people coming just to watch my girls. I was very proud and thank God for this book!



5. I haven't coached in 20 years and this book brings back the basics of cheerleading. From team spirit, good sportsmanship and the sheer athletics of the sport. This is an excellent book for both inexperienced and experienced coach.

5 comments about The Salem Witch Tryouts.

1. I hate spoiler reviews so just know that if you buy this book, you will not be disappointed. It's adorable. I'm looking forward to the sequel! :)



2. This was very witch like. It's very different from other witch books. It's a likable read and I would really recommend it to people who really are interested in to these type of books.



3. Prudence Stewart just received the worst news she's ever heard. Just when she had it all: straight A's, a hot crush, and picked as captain of the cheerleading squad her parents announce they're moving from their posh Beverly Hills home to Salem, Massachusetts. Pru's annoying little brother, otherwise known as Dorklock, is going through growing pains with a twist. He can't control is magic around mortals so the family is forced to leave. Now Pru is miserable and if you can believe it she's stuck in remedial magic classes since she was never allowed to practice her magic in Beverly Hills. Worst of all, even the cheerleaders bring a special "spirit" to their routine. As in, triple-back-somersault-with-a-twist kind of spirit. It's time for Pru to cast a spell and prove she's just as enchanting as the next girl.
   
   I thought this book was great. It reminded me of my younger years glued to the screen watching Bewitched. Pru is portrayed as a typical teen with the requisite annoying little brother and the characters are very real. I also loved the storyline and how different it is from other teen reads. I've already started book two, Competition's a Witch and recommend this book to all teens and adults who love YA books.



4. At Beverly Hills High, Prudence Stewart was a shoe-in for head cheerleader. She had the perfect grades and the perfect guy to drool over... until her mom and dad decided it was time for Pru and her brother to start learning to use the magic they've been denied for years. Which means not just leaving behind sunny California for dull Massachusetts but leaving behind the only lifestyle they've really known. While her little brother might be totally okay with the change, Pru is anything but happy!
   
   If there's one thing that can save Pru from loserville at her new school it's joining the cheerleading squad. If only the girls at Agatha's Day School didn't do their routines in the air. Hopefully with a little tutoring and a lot of practice Pru can catch up in her magic studies and master the fine art of cheering with a witch squad. Maybe, just maybe if she does she'll get her cool factor back and fit in with her peers just magically.
   
   If you're looking for something with a little more humor and a lot less angst, The Salem Witch Tryouts is a good place to start. The whole Beverly Hills cheerleader thing has been done in urban fantasy before but doesn't lose any of it's charm with this one. Pru isn't the snotty cheerleader one might expect though she does have some snobby moments and certainly thinks very highly of herself. Going from being Miss Popular to remedial magic student would certainly be tough on any young woman but she handles it with a decent dose of positivity and determination.
   
   Overall this was definitely on the lighter side of urban fantasy but I personally love witch stories and thought this one was really cute and funny. The world of magic that McClymer has set up for this series is fairly unique and Agatha's Day School is definitely not Hogwarts but could appeal to that same audience if they were looking for an Americanized witch school. I really had a good time reading this book because of the lighter tone and my only real beef was the text-speak conversations tossed in between Pru and her friend back in Beverly Hills.



5. This is a fun light read that will appeal to girls. It follows Prudence Stewart and her family as they move from Beverly Hills to Salem, Massachusetts. They move because Prudence, her mother, and brother are all witches. While they lived in Beverly Hills, they did not practice magic and pretty much lived normal lives. When Pru's brother began to manifest his magic powers, their mother decided it was time for the kids to go to witch school in Salem. So off they went. While Prudence used to be one of the top students and cheerleaders at her old school, she suddenly finds herself struggling to learn magic and barely making the cheer squad in Salem. She meets a few people who help her along the way and also a couple who get her in trouble. This is the first book in a trilogy, so there were a lot of loose ends yet when the book ended, but it was a fast funny read and I recommend it to girls 12+

5 comments about The Squad: Perfect Cover.

1. I LOVED the book, Perfect Cover! It was sooo good! I just wanted people to know, that despite the pink cover and cheerleaders, its not a girly-girl book. Its filled with spies, bombs, guns, and most importantly, glitter! Please read the book, and then the author might write more in the series! I certainly hope so. I loved Toby's sense of humor. Keep up the good work!



2. Bayport High operates like any other high school - jocks at the top, outsiders at the bottom, and everyone else in between. Enter Toby Klein, a sophomore computer hacker who doesn't play well with others. She has zero school spirit, a black belt in karate, and what her guidance counselor calls an "attitude problem." She's the last person you'd expect to be invited to join the varsity cheerleading squad.
   
   But things are different at Bayport.
   
   Bayport's varsity cheer squad is made up of the hottest of the hot. But this A-list is dangerous in more ways than one. The Squad is actually a cover for the most highly trained group of underage government operatives the United States has ever assembled. Athletically, they're unmatchable, though they make it all look easy on the field. Mentally, they're exceptional - but with one flash of their gorgeous smiles, you'll completely forget that. Socially, they're gifted, so they can command and manipulate any situation. And above all, they have the perfect cover, because, beyond herkies and highlights, no one expects anything from a cheerleader.
   
   Toby Klein might not seem like the most likely recruit, but she's never been one to turn down a challenge. If she can hand the makeover, Bayport High may just have found its newest cheerleader.
   
   Pretty, popular, armed, and extremely dangerous - meet THE SQUAD.
   
   Perfect Cover (The Squad) was a fast, fun read with a twist: Spy cheerleaders. The story really pulls you in from the first few paragraphs. Jennifer Lynn Barnes' writing is really good. I loved the cheerleader-spy twist added. I haven't read any books in which cheerleader's are spies. There was some action and suspense in this book, and some romance.I just loved this book. Toby was a sarcastic, funny character, who even though her outward appearance was changed, her inner self stayed the same. Many character's-- when thrust into new situations-- change, and not for the better. Toby was just a great character and her voice just leapt of the page. The different character's really made this book much more fun. If you liked Gallagher Girl's series by Ally Carter then you'll love this series.
   -Carol
   www.bookluver-carol.blogspot.com



3. I am a grandmother and enjoyed the books in this series. It's a little unbelieveable to think teenage girls could be used as government agents in the real world, but that's what reading is all about-takes you in a whole new world and opens your imagination.



4. Great service,great book that is so hard to find in stores but I found it great at Amazon and this company very great service.



5. An excellent light read that moves with the precision of a well crafted cheer. The plot slowed a little with the introduction and backstory of the characters, but tension and hilarious internal dialogue distracted you. One or two flat characters, but there's plenty of room to expand as the series (I assume one is coming) continues. I very much enjoyed Noah, the side-kick brother. Realistic teen dialogue. Realistic teen attitude. Shaky on the realistic government and actual school interaction stuff, but I DON'T CARE! Go...BAYPORT! I'll definately pick up another of Miss Barnes titles. She's off to a great start.

5 comments about Safe House (1-800-Where-R-You).

1. Out of all the series up to Safe House, the books only got better. When Lightning Strikes was good, Code Name Cassandra was great, and Safe House was excellent! I can only hope Jess's next book is even better.
   
   When Amber Mackey turns up dead heads turn towards the QB Mark. And Jess. Only Jess because no one could get a hold of her so she couldn't find her before she was dead. Then Heather Montrose went missing. It was up to Jess to find her only finding her would put into an awfull poistion with the Feds. I won't reveal the other girl who ends up missing and the awful threats Jess receives from someone I did expect and another I didn't. Suspenseful and intresting. Especially when they find Heather in a bad location but weather or not shes dead or alive... is a mystery!



2. I love this whole series. It is a quick read, but trully a good story. I picked up the first book in the series because I read Meg Cabot's mediator series and loved that. I've come to love this series just as much. Jess really is a character. And unlike a lot of YA books these days, there isn't inappropriate material. I'd let my little sister read it (I'm actually trying to pursuade her right now), and I'll let my daughter read it when she grows up.



3. Just like the other 1-800-Where-R-U books, this book was fun and it kept you guessing. I like seeing more of the other high school students, and watching Jessica try to figure out how to handle her secret. Great Book!



4. Review of Meg Cabot's LIGHTNING GIRL Series (1-800- WHERE-R-U)
   Meg Cabot's books in the 1-800-Where-R-You series are fantastically fun and must be read in the order they were written . The first book, WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES, sets the concept for this series about Jessica who can, after being struck by lightning, locate people in her dreams. Jess sees a picture of a missing child and the next morning when she wakes up she knows exactly where the child is located. This seems pretty cool but this "gift" of being "lightning girl" causes lots of difficulties. Jess and her friend Ruth speak our language and think our thoughts. Each character seems so real. Jess has anger issues and is perpetually in detention for fighting. Jess is plucky and all of her fights were in defense of others.
   I don't want to spoil any part of this book or others in the series by revealing anything of the plot. Meg has the ability to bring conflicts of mystery into her story. Jess must battle doubters , the US Government who want to use her to catch criminals, FBI agents and bad guys who want her dead, all the while trying to get a boy she likes to like her. She escapes with the help of her almost boy friend, Rob, in a exciting techno scene and it was obvious a new book was coming..
   Try the entire series. I have read them all.
   The second book CODE NAME CASSANDRA has Jess trying to hide her abilities to avoid being used by the FBI and other governmental agencies. While not hiding she becomes a camp counsel for a group of boys (an interesting development that is really funny.) When Jess finds and saves a missing boy she makes an enemy who wants her dead. When a boy goes missing she used deductive reasoning and a sweater to locate him, fight the bad guy and save the day all while foiling her FBI stalkers. Her almost Boy friend, Rob, helped her again.
   The third book, "SAFE HOUSE involves a murder of a missing high school cheer leader that occurred when Jess was away on vacation. Jess faces hostility because no one is accepting her story that she has lost her abilities to find people by dreaming. She wasn't there to help the missing girl before she was murdered and almost everyone is mad at her. This book introduces a boy who Jess uses to try and make her almost boy friend Rob jealous. Yes, we have a girl with super powers who spends most of her waking hours trying to figure out boys and how to get her almost boy friend to accept her as a girl friend . This book was more of a murder mystery and kept me guessing. It is exciting and, as in each book, Jess is in physical danger and Rob is there to help her again.
   The fourth book, SANCTUARY, was really good. I could picture everything as I read it. It was a murder book. Jess gets even more help from her almost boy friend, Rob. As I was reading a part of the book where Jess and Rob were going to sneak into an area to rescue a missing boy I thought it to be pretty fanciful and farfetched. OK, I then thought I am accepting without question the fact that Jess has special powers from her lightning strike and I question a rescue attempt? Jess used all of her wiles in this and didn't rely on any special magic- other than her ability to deliver a solid punch. I like Jess and I have ordered book 5 and I can't wait to read more of the same. I like the way she thinks and views life in high school while at the same time trying to get her almost BF Rob to realize she is perfect for him.
   Book Five, MISSING YOU, begins after Jess was out of the country locating bad guys in a war zone for the Government. She had left without saying good bye to Rob because she saw Rob kissing a girl. Jess was drained from her experience and lost her powers for real, or so she thought, until Rob appears asking Jess for help to locate his sister. I won't say anything about the circumstances as they are disclosed with frightening reality. Of course, we are rooting for Jess and Rob to get back together and for Jess to stop being so obstinate- all while Jess is solving a complex mystery.
   Jess is a great character. Meg goes into incredible detail chronicling her thoughts and her family life and her pursuit of a boy friend. She is a real girl. She thinks and talks like us and except for her special gifts she could be your best friend, if your best friend solves some problems with her fists. HeHe.



5. i really liked this book, it is one of my favorite by meg cabot though i like alot of books by her because she is an awesome writer, but this was one of my favorites. i think it was one of my favorite because it was so thought out and the way it turns out is pure genius so i loved it.

5 comments about The Accidental Cheerleader (Candy Apple).

1. The Accidental Cheerleader
   
   By: Elizabeth
   
   The book I wrote about is The Accidental Cheerleader. Sophie and Kylie are best friends forever. Well almost forever. After Kylie signs Sophie and her self up for cheerleading tryouts, Kylie doesn't make the squad. Will Sophie and Kylie still be friends? When Sophie found out she made the squad she was a little mad at Kylie. But when Kylie finds out she is the school mascot, which happens to be a mule, she is furious.
   What will happen when Joel Sophie's "friend" asks her to dance and the cheerleaders want her to dance with them? She doesn't think she fits in with the cheerleaders when she shows up at the dance without her party clothes. The author Mimi Mc Coy uses great dialog to make the reader feel like they're in the story. Read on to see how she solves her dilemma.



2. If you are looking for an adventure book that has fun on every page, you should check out THE ACCIDENTAL CHEERLEADER. It's about two seventh-grade girls who try out for cheerleading, but what they don't know is that one of them made it onto the squad and the other is stuck being the school mascot.
   
   After tryouts everything went downhill. Sophie doesn't know if the life of a cheerleader is her thing. What if her best bud, Kyle, isn't having fun? Should she stay with the most popular girls in school (and on the squad) or should she go back with her real friends? If she goes back to hanging out with Kyle, will she forgive Sophie for using her?
   
   I think you should read this book because it has non-stop action! I give it 5 stars!
   
   Reviewed by: Liz



3. Sophie and her best friend,Kylie,are the perfect team.
   Kylie has a wild side while Sophie is thoughtful and shy.
   Together, the two of them can do anything.
   But when Kylie signs them both up for cheerleading tryouts, it's Sophie who lands in the spotlight, and Kylie ends up on the sidelines.
   Soon, Sophie feels torn between her best friend and her fellow cheerleaders.
   Can Sophie and Kylie rediscover how to root for each other...before the clock runs out on their friendship?



4. THE ACCIDENTAL CHEERLEADER is a FANTASTIC book. Sophie and Kylie are best friends, but they both try out for the cheerleading team. Sophie is a cheerleader,but Kylie is the mascot. They get into a fight. They say they don't want to be friends and everything is ruined. Will Sophie and Kylie be friends again? People who love books about feelings and teenagers should read this book. Read The Accidental Cheerleader to find out if Sophie and Kylie are friends.



5. I was bored one day after work and I picked up my 11-year old daughters book just to glance through briefly, and well literally couldn't put it down! It took me back to my junior high days, and was very convincing at the preteen level of drama. It also gave an insight on real-life situations with peer pressure, consequences and problem-solving techniques that I thought my daughter could apply to herself and relationships. I actually am looking for more books by Mimi McCoy...for my daughter of course. ;)

5 comments about The Ultimate Guide to Cheerleading: For Cheerleaders and Coaches.

1. As a high school cheerleader, I can say that "The Ultimate Guide to Cheerleading" is one of the most updated books available on cheerleading today, unlike most books published in the 80's that have all of those illegal stunts and outdated cheers. However, this is definitely a good book for cheerleaders, which includes
   
   - Steps to starting a team for coaches who are interested in doing so (i.e.: setting up tryouts, enforcing goal setting for your team, judging criteria for tryouts, etc.)
   
   -Tryout info and advice, along with a section to help you decide if you truly want to be a cheerleader.
   
   - Basic motions, cheers, and chants
   
   - Jumps (the great thing is that this book covers all 8 of basic counts for jumps and fully illustrates them with photos)
   
   - Stunting (the most comprehensive stunting section I have EVER seen in a book... starting off with single base, then moving on to multiple base, basket tosses, and pyramids)
   
   - Competition cheerleading
   
   The only minor thing I don't like is that there really isn't anything about tumbling, and as another reviewer mentioned before, the book skips a few basic stunts, and moves straight to more advanced ones that wouldn't be suggested for beginners. However, if you are on an advanced squad, you will probably appreciate all the ideas for more difficult stunts, because they're all covered. But overall, this is a good book for all cheerleaders and covers (almost) everything you should/need to know. It's definitely the most comprehensive up-to-date book on cheerleading today.



2. My daughter has been cheering since 3rd grade in the town cheerleading squad. She does not do competition cheerleading. She also now cheers for the Junior High she attends. I picked up the book as a present for Christmas and she loves it. I don't know how it would be for anyone else, but she thinks it's great. There are a lot of illustrations in it and she is looking forward to maybe incorporating some of the ideas in her High School squad next year. It was reasonable priced compared to some of the cheerleading products out there like the CD's and video sets. Hope this helps.



3. I recently began coaching cheerleading. I had been a cheerleader in middle school and high school, but that was years and years ago. I wanted to refresh my memory of all the things I learned back then, as well as catch up on all the new stuff, and this book really helped. A great tool! I'm glad I decided on this book.



4. this book was written for novice teams and beginners. I myslef was an elite cheerleader who competed in places like Disney World with the best of the best so I can tell you that advanced cheerleaders will gain nothing from this. It did help with one of our dance routines on the flip side so thats a plus. I would of liked to see more complicated stunts too.



5. Great book for someone who never coached or was a cheerleader. Came in great shape and in timely manner

5 comments about Dead Is the New Black.

1. This is a pretty good start to the series. I'd call it "Buffy lite". It's not really fair to compare this series to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but it really can't be helped.
   
   Welcome to the town of Nightshade (How can you not love that name, it's a great name for this kind of setting). It seems that some creature is stalking the halls of NIghtshade high school, and is picking of the cheerleaders one by one. One of the town residents, Daisy, comes from a family of psychics. The only problem is that she's the only one in her family that isn't a psychic. It's up to her and her friend, Ryan, to get to the bottom, why and who are picking off the cheerleaders. The baddie is interesting, really doesn't kill it's victims, not really.
   
   Over all it was a pretty good read. It had some great chars and interesting plot twists. For me, it was kind of heavy on the romance. We read a lot about Daisy and her friend, who at times is more than a friend, and boyfriend. I'd like to have had more time on the baddies than her love life. I'd also like to have Daisy's powers grow, and we see them develop as times goes on, and less of the romance. I'll be interested to see how she turns out in the upcoming books.
   
   As I said, it was a pretty good read, not a perfect one, but one that held my interests for the most part. I look forward to the other books.



2. My Thoughts: This was a fun light read. It only took me a day to read, split up into little shifts of reading. I liked the character of Samantha a lot and I really like Ryan. Theres a new vampire in town who is basically feeding off energy and Samantha must find out who it is!!! There isn't a whole lot of depth to this story but that is what makes it so special. You do not get confused, its easy to read and would be good for anyone! Its a smaller book so easy to carry in your bookbag or purse. So far, there are 3 books out in this series. Not to mention as of right now this book is under $3.00 on amazon so run right over there and buy it now!!
   
   Overall: Great Book! Fun read! Would be good for a young adult, even a really young adult. it's under 200 pages so its something anyone can read. Or a older person as well, its a cute book! If you like vampires or you just like a little bit of mystery with some romance this is the book for you!
   
   Cover: It has a creative cover. When I picked it up, I had no clue what it would be about. But I'm glad I gave it a chance. I particularly like the pink cover but I also love the color pink! (Reviewed by Princess Bookie)



3. Daisy Giordano is what her family calls a "norm," meaning she has no psychic ability, unlike her mother and two sisters - or so they think. When strange things start happening around Daisy, she blames her sisters' psychic abilities - Poppy's gift of telekinesis and Rose's gift of telepathy. However, Daisy eventually has to face the possibility that her latent psychic gifts are finally showing themselves.
   
   As if high school isn't hard enough when you're dealing with possible psychic abilities, having a crush on your best friend can throw things out of whack. Ryan Mendez is hot, of that there is no doubt, but Daisy figures she's stuck in the friend category forever. Little does she realize that Ryan thinks of her as so much more.
   
   High school angst, first love, psychics... it's a lot to deal with, you'd think that would be plenty to fill up Daisy's plate, but apparently not. The universe decides to add a psionic vampire who is draining the life-force of the cheerleaders at both Daisy's school and a neighboring school. Daisy's mom is hot on the case, along with Ryan's dad. However, the two teens decide to lend a helping hand and do some sleuthing themselves. What better way to investigate than to join the squad? it takes a lot of time and a lot of snooping, but eventually Daisy and Ryan unveil the culprit.
   
   Dead is the New Black was an easy and quick read, but I really did love it! Matter of fact, the moment I closed the book, I reached for the sequel to find out what happens next. If you enjoy suspense, mystery, and a blossoming romance, Dead is the New Black is definitely the book for you. While this book is geared toward pre-teens and teens, I think adults will enjoy it as well - I know I did!
   
   There was a surprise around every corner and you never knew just what would happen next. A page turner to the very end, Dead is the New Black has a permanent home on my bookshelf!
   
   Jessica
   -- The Novel Blog --
   [...]



4. Dead Is the New Black is a book about vampires, werewolves, and other creatures. Because the book is targeted for a younger age, reading it as a 16 year old was an easy task. I did not know what to expect from it, when I picked it up off the shelf it just seemed like it would be midly interesting. Going into it my expectations were not set high, so I could tell by the writing it was not at my reading level, I did not feel let down. The plot was interesting although it was very fictional. Usually I enjoy reading mysteries like this but they tend to be more believable. This story involves two friends who are suspicious when schoolmates suddenly end up in the hospital. Unsure of who it is, they spend time trying to find clues as to who or what could be causing all this trouble. I believe that pre-teens who enjoy suspense and are looking for a simple book to read could find this interesting. It would not be my first choice, but knowing me I will end up reading the sequal.



5. Strange things go on in Nightshade, California and all manner of supernatural beings make their homes there. Not that Daisy Giordano has noticed any of this. Despite the fact that her Mom and two older sisters possess psychic powers, Daisy is a "Normal," just like her missing Dad. Daisy's Mom frequently assists Police Chief Mendez and right now they are working on a case that has them stumped. A local teenager has turned up dead and no one can tell what killed her. When the body goes missing, it seems likely that the supernatural is involved.
   
   Despite her lack of psychic powers, Daisy is determined to prove her value by `helping' with the case (on the sly, of course). To that end she recruits long time friend (and recent crush) Ryan Mendez for some surreptitious sleuthing. When the town council determines that a psionic vampire might be to blame, Daisy immediately focuses her attention on head cheerleader Samantha Devereaux, whose is sporting a new undead look this year. Daisy will do anything to solve the mystery, including trying out for the cheerleading squad! (Hmm, maybe Ryan will like the skirt.)
   
   Marlene Perez is one of my new favorite authors. Be sure to give this one a try, especially if you like a good mystery, a good romance and a good laugh all rolled into one.

5 comments about Ruby Flips For Attention (Ruby And The Booker Boys).

1. I have read all 4 Ruby books and they are quite entertaining. It is good to have a character that is refelective of an African-American child being a kid.



2. I am 5 years old and I feel like a diva, just like Ruby Booker. I loved this book and the illustrations. Ruby and her family seem like real people to me. Parents should get this book for big girls and little girls. My mom and I enjoyed reading it together. As a parent I thought the lessons in the book were taught in an amusing way without clubbing children over the head. I think it provides a wonderful opportunity for mothers and daughters to talk about the lessons Ruby learns. Ruby speaks and acts like modern black girls . She is bright, positive and fun. My 5 year old completely related to her. My daughter and I highly recommend this book and all the other Ruby Booker books.



3. My daughter couldn't wait for this book to come out and Derrick didn't disappoint. Loved It



4. Our daughter has all of the "Ruby" books and she enjoys them all, but this one seems to have been her favorite because she thought Ruby was "not smart" trying to copycat her cousin and falling. I enjoy these books that relate to the life of child so that they child reading it can identify.
   
   Simple Truth
   Simple Truth Too: Understanding the Bible In Everyday Life
   Catch A Falling Star



5. My 7 yr old daughter has fell in love with Ruby Booker!! We have all of the books in this series and are just finishing the last one! What a great series for African American girls!! Ruby is smart, funny and full of spirit!!

5 comments about The Clique #10: P.S. I Loathe You (Clique Series).

1. This is the best book of the series, by far. I think lisi really embraced the characters for who they were, and opened up the clique series to the real world that her characters are part of (the setting of which is in westchester county new york, where I live close to and go to school with people just like these girls)- that a group of friends worshipping its leader to make her happy despite what makes them happy can NOT last forever, that cliques and unhealthy relationships like this change, that everyone wants something real in their lives to hold onto while having their fantasies as well.
   
   I like that Kristen is given substance, she hasn't been more than a 2D character and mindless follower from the start, and it shows that she is human with *desires and interests*. imagine that! Who knew that she'd be a cat-lover? How full-hearted she really is while struggling to fit in with a world that requires a suppression of it? I love Dylan's struggle and tie-in with Derrick, because it was a question I'd had once Massie and Derrick started dating- what about Dylan and Kristen, who both really liked him? How do they feel about that? How could she do that to them without even asking? Then the answer came: Because she's Massie Block. It makes Dylan so much more real, and makes the series more whole.
   
   I enjoyed the lack of focus on Claire, as she'd had a lot of spotlight in all the others save BF@T's and we've discovered most of all there is to know about Claire's character.
   
   I like Alicia's constant struggle with herself as being the first of the girls to really have realized that she needs to compromise herself to be happy with Massie, and how it manifests here.
   
   Most of all, I like Massie. I think that people are saying that Massie just becomes extraordinarily mean here, but really, Massie was this way all along. The only reason why she looks so much more mean now is because the story is told largely from Dylan and Kristen's point of view, who were, before this novel, taking the backseat in the story and were faceless and somewhat empty characters other than Massie's loyal fem-servants, and the story was not told by the point of view of people who are either wholly vying for her approval or striving to destroy her, but were struggling in between, as Dylan and Kristen had ALWAYS been. I like the honesty that Lisi captured with Massie's character, that girls like Massie, while of course being multi-layered, do ultimately want friends who are willing to let her have claim to what she wants, and be happy with doing so, and, even when coming to the realization that she could KEEP her friends if she gave them a little leeway, she didn't value them enough as people and more valued them as pawns to her popularity to give them enough freedom to keep them, as made evident with her ease at which she dumped and took back friends throughout the series. I liked the line where Massie says/thinks that she wasn't going to sacrifice her standards to be happy- 'my friends had done nothing but that but look how happy it made *them*', and decides to hold on to her standards. It makes her so damn real that it gave me goosebumps.
   
   I'm happy that upon reading this book I've been able to respect Lisi Harrison's angle in writing these stories, the goal that she herself stated that she was writing these for- to shed truth and light upon a subject that absolutely everyone ever in a school or work system has experience with, and respsect Lisi as a real, laudable author.
   
   Any fan of the clique series as a whole who was disappointed in this book is not a lover of good writing or reading, has missed the entire point of the books and the characters, and is upset over their broken illusions with the part of them- the part of everyone- that wants to be Massie Block. *****/*****.



2. Reviewed by McKenzie Tritt (age 15) for Reader Views (6/09)
   
   Meet the Pretty Committee, Briarwood-Octavian Country Day's most exclusive clique, also known as the OCDivas. The group consists of five BFFs: Massie Block, the group leader, Kristen Gregory, the smart and athletic one, Dylan Marvil, the funny and tomboyish one, Alicia Rivera, the second-in-command, and Claire Lyons, the down to earth one.
   
   After a short-standing boy-fast, it seems everyone at BOCD has a crush. Massie is crushing on Dempsey after recently getting over Derrington, although she still has claim to him. It seems, however, that Massie has some competition. This competition is none other than Layne Abeley, an LBR who just happens to be one of Dempsey's LBR best friends. In order to gain Dempsey's love, Massie starts BOCD's first ever cheerleading squad. Along the way, though, there is plenty of Pretty Committee trouble, including someone vying for alpha status.
   
   Kristen cannot wait for Dune, her crush to return from surfing. But when he does, she is not sure if he the one for her. Plus, she has to deal with Massie and her secret LBR best friend, Layne, both crushing on Dempsey. Who will she help? Claire, on the other hand, has a steady boyfriend. She just needs to help Massie keep the PC intact, which is not an easy job. Alicia is happy with Josh, but not with her beta status. Will she accept her position or try to work her way to the top? Finally, there is Dylan. She has got a rather large secret: she's crushing on Derrington, although Massie still has claim on him. Plus, it's pretty obvious that he has a thing for tomboys.
   
   "P.S. I Loathe You" is similar to the likes of "Gossip Girl" and "The A-List." It doesn't contain nearly as much cussing or sexual activity - there's very little, actually. This book obviously isn't a timeless work of literature, but it's a fun read just the same. As a fan of "The Clique" series I was excited for another installment. It's a great beach or weekend read. Don't expect much depth; you won't find it. There are, however, a couple of good life lessons if you look closely enough. I would recommend this to anyone who loves "rich girl" books, but wants a toned down version. If you're looking for a guilty pleasure, full of name-dropping, clothes, and boys, "P.S. I Loathe You" by Lisi Harrison is the book for you.



3. This overly-dramatic preteen read is so cute and is one of those too-cute books that you never get tired of reading OVER and OVER again!! Just make sure you've read the previous books in the CLique series, otherwise, this one probably won't make any sense to you. This book is witty and funny. The clique books are my favorite to read when I'm having one of those grumpy days because they make me laugh!



4. When I first got this book, I expected nothing better than the Summer Collection (which I was disappointed by). Massie was being overly-controlling over the cheerleading team and not letting everyone audition or Alicia choreograph. It was obvious Alicia and Massie were going to get into another fight again over the ever-burning alpha-issue. Nonetheless, I'm sad to say that there was hardly any of Massie in this book- and none of Claire at all. Which, like a previous reviewer said, means no outfit descriptions and clever comebacks.
   
   Most of this book was from the point of Dylan and Kristen, both of whom Massie was extremely mean to (especially Kristen).I was doubting that the book would be any good, because the two seemed like 2D characters in the past nine books. I still think they are cardboard cutouts, just like Massie with a few adjustments. So the (new) main characters are pretty shallow. It's a teen novel about rich middle schoolers, but it could still use some thought.
   
   And of course, there were some really annoying things in the book. She kept ruh-iting like this in middle of the novel, using words like "nawt" and annoying acronyms (besides LBR and BFF- those are permissible) when it's not in dialogue. She overuses similes, and there are some things in the book that would never happen in a real school (like a cheerleading chant that "we gotta look hawt for the fellas").
   
   The main reason I liked this installment is that the conclusion was actually different than "And they all made up and lived happily ever after" or some paper-thin cliffhanger that's sure to be solved in the next book's first twenty pages. Given that it's not the latter, Massie might change in a non-controlling person and finally let loose and stop trying to impress people all of time. All in all, three and a half stars.



5. The Pretty Committee is back, and they are far from love and friendship. In fact, it seems like the more and more they are together, the more they just can't stand each other.
   
   The only thing that is more unstable than their friendship are the boys in their lives.
   
   To cut it short, Massie has moved on to another soccer player, Dempsey, who just so happens to be great friends with Layne. Even though Massie says she's over Derrington, Dylan knows if she tells Massie she has a crush on him, things won't bode well for her.
   
   Kristen finally has the guy she's literally been waiting for but just isn't sure if he is the right person. Claire seems to be the only one without boy trouble, as she finally has Cam back in her life. The only thing on Alicia's mind is deciding whether she should stick around and take Massie's controlling nature or move on to bigger and better friends.
   
   Once again, it seems like the PC are on the brink of breaking up, and the consistency of Massie's overly-boy-loving, bossy self does not help at all. The only character in the entire novel who seems interested in keeping the girls together is Claire.
   
   In this installment, Harrison allows readers to get to know Kristen and Dylan more as they are the main narrators. Kristen seems to have it rougher than the other girls, not just because of how her boy just might not be the right one, but also her friendship with Layne is totally forbidden if Massie ever discovered it. Of course, Layne is a better and loyal friend than Massie, but Kristen just isn't sure if she is able to leave the PC behind. Dylan, on the other hand, understands that it would be the ultimate betrayal to date one of her friend's boys, and Massie is no exception.
   
   Will Kristen, Dylan, and Alicia finally reach a decision that life would be better off without the ringleader to bark orders, or will they be unable to end the friendship that has lasted between them and Massie for so long?
   
   P.S. I LOATHE YOU contains all of the same elements as the other CLIQUE novels: betrayal, gossip, and boys. Fans will not be disappointed in this installment, as they are able to understand Kristen and Dylan more, who were only minor characters in the past.
   
   Reviewed by: Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen