From School Library Journal
Grade 3-7–Like their subject, these titles are peppy and colorful. Basics has interesting history (Cheerleading began in the 1800s at the University of Minnesota and was all male until about the 1920s) and statistics (Today there are 6 million cheerleaders in 38 countries). Essentials describes the equipment and uniforms plus mascots and cheerleading camp. Spirit mainly gives ideas for involving the crowd. All three list ways squads can improve, raise money, or add excitement to athletic events. Positives about the series include its colorful and appealing format and lively illustrations. Drawbacks are a few questionable statements such as, Cheerleading is a lifestyle. One suggestion in Spirit tells cheerleaders to Sneak into the locker room and decorate it before the big game. This could lead to serious problems without prior approval. The books appear to be for a young audience, given the age of the children in the photos. It's unfortunate that the three titles weren't combined into one book as each one is pretty slight. The five-book list for further reading and safe suggestions for using the Internet to locate suitable sites are identical in all three books. For more complete coverage in a single volume, but for an older audience, try Leslie Wilson's The Ultimate Guide to Cheerleading (Crown, 2003) or Randy Neil and Elaine Hart's The Official Cheerleader's Handbook (S & S, 1986).–Kate Kohlbeck, Randall School, Waukesha, WI
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Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Jen Jones is a Capstone Press author.
